Dental Hygienist Salary in 2026
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care. They educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and nutrition.
Median Salary
$84,000
$7,000/mo
Entry Level
$63,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$98,000
experienced
Job Growth
+9%
10-yr outlook
Dental Hygienist Overview
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care. They educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and nutrition.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
230K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$40.38/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,000
Dental Hygienist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Dental Hygienist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Dental Hygienist Salary
$86,000
$7,167/month · $3,308/biweekly · $41.35/hr
Dental Hygienist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dental Hygienist field.
Entry-level Dental Hygienists earn around $63,000, while the top 10% earn $105,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Dental Hygienists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $99,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $97,000 | +$13,000 |
| Washington | $94,000 | +$10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $94,000 | +$10,000 |
| Texas | $82,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $99,000 | +$15,000 |
| Seattle | $96,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $94,000 | +$10,000 |
| Boston | $94,000 | +$10,000 |
| Houston | $83,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dental Hygienist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dental Hygienist from entry level to expert.
$63,000
0-2 years
$81,000
3-7 years
$98,000
8-14 years
$112,000
15+ years
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Dental Hygienist Salary FAQ
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