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How much does a Dental Hygienist make?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $100,962 per year in the US.

A career as a Dental Hygienist offers competitive and rewarding compensation. The average yearly salary for Dental Hygienists stands at $100,962. This figure reflects the value placed on their crucial role in dental care.

This profession sees a wide range of salaries. At the lower end, some professionals earn around $60,000 annually. This is often the case for those just starting out or in entry-level positions. As experience and expertise grow, so does the potential income. For those in the top 10% of earners, salaries can reach up to $148,000 or more each year. These figures highlight the growth opportunities available in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists seeking high-paying opportunities can look to cities like San Francisco and Seattle. These cities offer the top average salaries in the field. For instance, San Francisco boasts an impressive average salary of $141,602. Additionally, several other cities provide attractive compensation. For example, San Jose, Santa Maria, and Memphis also rank highly for dental hygienist salaries. Each of these places offers competitive wages, making them desirable locations for career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $141,602 and Salinas, CA with the lowest at $128,271.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $141,602
    In San Francisco, dental professionals work in a vibrant, health-conscious environment. City-based clinics offer competitive pay and benefits. Notable employers include UCSF Dental Center and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $140,663
    Seattle's thriving healthcare sector provides ample opportunities. Professionals enjoy a mix of private practices and large health systems. Companies like Virginia Mason and MultiCare offer great benefits.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $138,859
    San Jose offers a diverse healthcare landscape. Job seekers find work in both corporate dental offices and independent practices. Notable employers include Dignity Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $133,408
    Santa Maria provides a quieter, family-friendly environment. Dental jobs here often come with strong community ties. Companies like Family Health Centers offer a supportive work atmosphere.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $133,381
    Memphis boasts a growing healthcare industry with a strong community feel. Job seekers can find positions in both urban and suburban settings. Employers like Baptist Memorial Health Care offer good benefits.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Memphis, TN


  6. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $131,381
    Vallejo offers a blend of urban and suburban living. Dental professionals here enjoy a welcoming community. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health provide excellent career opportunities.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Vallejo, CA


  7. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $130,835
    Anchorage's unique setting provides a rewarding experience for dental professionals. The city offers both private practices and large health systems. Notable employers include Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Native Medical Center.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $129,066
    Boulder's health-conscious population means high demand for dental care. Professionals enjoy a strong community and outdoor lifestyle. Companies like Boulder Community Health offer competitive salaries.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $128,384
    Washington, DC, offers a dynamic environment with many healthcare facilities. Job seekers can find work in both corporate and independent practices. Notable employers include MedStar Health and Georgetown University Hospital.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $128,271
    Salinas provides a close-knit community atmosphere. Dental professionals here enjoy a strong sense of belonging. Companies like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System offer good career opportunities.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salinas, CA

What are the best companies a Dental Hygienist can work for?

Hilde Family Dentistry offers some of the highest salaries for dental hygienists, with an average of $272,000. This top-paying job opportunity emphasizes the value placed on skilled professionals in their field. Another excellent choice is chrisad, where dental hygienists can expect an average salary of $191,788, making it a strong career option. Park Dental also stands out with an average salary of $137,501 for dental hygienists, providing a competitive pay package. These companies recognize the importance of dental hygiene and reward their staff with generous compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting Hilde Family Dentistry with the highest at $272,000 and Park Dental with the lowest at $137,501.
  1. Hilde Family Dentistry
    Average Salary: $272,000
    Hilde Family Dentistry is a top choice for Dental Hygienists in the Pacific Northwest. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. Their practices are located in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.


  2. chrisad
    Average Salary: $191,788
    chrisad, known for its cutting-edge dental technology, offers Dental Hygienists excellent compensation. They operate in multiple states across the U.S., with a focus on providing high-quality patient care.


  3. The Dentist Group
    Average Salary: $163,462
    The Dentist Group values its Dental Hygienists highly, offering above-average salaries. Their locations include major cities in California, where they provide comprehensive dental services.


  4. Dental Connections
    Average Salary: $155,938
    Dental Connections is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on patient education. They have offices in various locations in the Midwest, offering Dental Hygienists a rewarding work experience.


  5. Seattle's Best Coffee
    Average Salary: $151,448
    Seattle's Best Coffee, a leader in the coffee industry, offers Dental Hygienists a competitive salary. They operate in major cities throughout the country, combining coffee culture with dental care.


  6. Dental Group of Evergreen Park
    Average Salary: $150,692
    Dental Group of Evergreen Park provides Dental Hygienists with a competitive salary and a chance to work in a community-oriented practice. Their clinics are located in the Chicago area, Illinois.


  7. Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
    Average Salary: $143,649
    Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics offers Dental Hygienists a stable work environment with good pay. They serve patients in several states, focusing on both dental and orthodontic care.


  8. Interim HealthCare Inc.
    Average Salary: $141,533
    Interim HealthCare Inc. provides Dental Hygienists with the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings. They have locations across multiple states, allowing for diverse experiences.


  9. Synergy Dental Corp
    Average Salary: $138,182
    Synergy Dental Corp emphasizes teamwork and offers Dental Hygienists a fair salary. Their practices are located in several cities in Florida, providing a vibrant work atmosphere.


  10. Park Dental
    Average Salary: $137,501
    Park Dental offers competitive salaries for Dental Hygienists and a supportive work environment. Their offices are in Minnesota, focusing on personalized patient care.

How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?

In the field of dental hygiene, professionals have several paths to increase their earnings. By taking certain steps, hygienists can enhance their job satisfaction and income. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can open doors to specialized roles that command higher pay. For instance, becoming certified in periodontal therapy or dental anesthesia can lead to better-paying positions.

Another way to earn more is through experience. As hygienists work more and gain expertise, they often see a rise in their salary. Hospitals and larger practices may pay more than smaller clinics. Working in high-demand areas can also lead to higher pay. This includes urban centers or regions with fewer dental professionals. Investing in continuing education also helps. Staying current with the latest techniques and technologies can make a hygienist more valuable.

Seeking advanced degrees is another way to boost income. Many hygienists earn a master’s degree in dental hygiene or related fields. This advanced education often leads to higher-paying positions in teaching or research. Lastly, consider negotiating for a higher salary. Knowing the market rates and your worth can lead to better offers.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Dental Hygienist:

  1. Gain additional certifications.
  2. Gain more work experience.
  3. Seek opportunities in high-demand areas.
  4. Pursue advanced degrees.
  5. Negotiate for higher pay.

Currently 3,529 Dental Hygienist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Dental Hygienist in the US?

Learn what a Dental Hygienist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Dental Hygienist today.
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Dental Hygienist
3,529 Job Openings