Dental Hygienist Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Dental Hygienist make?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $100,809 per year in the US.

Dental hygienists enjoy a rewarding career, both in job satisfaction and salary. The average yearly salary for a dental hygienist is around $100,809. This figure reflects the important role dental hygienists play in dental care.


Salaries can vary significantly based on experience and location. Entry-level positions often start at around $64,870, while those with more experience can earn over $140,000. As dental hygienists gain experience, their earnings can increase steadily. For instance, those earning between $85,360 and $99,020 represent a substantial portion of the field, reflecting the growth potential in this profession.


In this career, not only do dental hygienists help patients maintain their oral health, but they also benefit financially, making this a promising choice for job seekers looking for stability and growth.

View Dental Hygienist Jobs Nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Dental Hygienist?

If you're looking for high-paying dental hygienist jobs, consider cities like San Francisco and Seattle, which offer average salaries of around $136,000 and $135,000, respectively. Salinas and San Jose also present great opportunities, with average earnings above $132,000. These cities not only provide competitive pay but also an exciting environment to build a rewarding career in dental hygiene.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $136,062 and Anchorage, AK with the lowest at $117,992.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $136,062
    Working in San Francisco offers exciting opportunities in a vibrant city known for its cutting-edge healthcare. Major dental clinics and practices, such as Pacific Dental Services, provide a supportive environment for dental professionals.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $135,563
    Seattle boasts a strong demand for dental care, providing a welcoming atmosphere for professionals. Local practices like Smile Brands thrive, offering career growth and benefits in a city known for its beautiful landscapes.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $133,593
    Salinas presents a friendly community focused on health and wellness, making it a great place for dental services. Local dental offices, like Salinas Valley Dental, often seek skilled professionals to join their teams.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $132,466
    San Jose, part of Silicon Valley, offers unique opportunities in dental care thanks to its diverse population. Numerous dental practices, including Dental Care for Children, are always looking for talented professionals to help serve their communities.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $122,853
    Santa Maria serves as a growing hub for dental careers in Central California. Many local practices value skilled professionals, with opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $122,369
    In Los Angeles, the demand for dental care remains high, driven by the city's large population. Numerous dental groups, including Western Dental, offer a variety of opportunities in this bustling metropolis.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $120,284
    Santa Rosa combines a pleasant lifestyle with a thriving job market for dental roles. Local dental clinics, such as Valley of the Moon Dental, often seek dedicated professionals, offering a chance to make a real difference in the community.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $118,651
    Sacramento, as the state capital, has a steady demand for dental care providers. Many practices, including Comfort Dental, offer excellent career paths and a chance to contribute to public health in a growing city.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $118,533
    Vallejo is a welcoming city with a diverse community that values health care. Local dental practices are frequently on the lookout for qualified professionals who want to make an impact.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Vallejo, CA


  10. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $117,992
    Anchorage offers a unique setting for dental careers with its stunning natural surroundings. Local dental offices, such as Alaska Dental Arts, often seek skilled individuals to join their teams in serving the community.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Anchorage, AK

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

Chrisad offers the highest salaries for Dental Hygienists, with an impressive average of $192,616. Dental Experts and Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics also provide strong compensation, averaging $160,045 and $154,052 respectively. Seeking opportunities with these top-paying companies can lead to a rewarding career in dental hygiene.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Dental Hygienist jobs, highlighting Chrisad with the highest at $192,616 and Stynt with the lowest at $124,833.
  1. Chrisad
    Average Salary: $192,616
    Chrisad offers lucrative opportunities for Dental Hygienists, especially in major metropolitan areas. The company focuses on enhancing dental practices, providing tools and training for hygienists to excel in their roles.


  2. Dental Experts
    Average Salary: $160,045
    Dental Experts values the contributions of Dental Hygienists, offering a collaborative environment. They operate in several states, providing quality care and support to patients with dedicated hygienists at their locations.


  3. Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
    Average Salary: $154,052
    Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics employs skilled Dental Hygienists across multiple locations. The company emphasizes teamwork and patient education, ensuring hygienists play a vital role in patient care.


  4. The Dentist Group
    Average Salary: $153,363
    At The Dentist Group, Dental Hygienists can expect strong salaries and a supportive work culture. The company has locations throughout the country, making it a significant player in dental services.


  5. Total Health Dental Care
    Average Salary: $147,519
    Total Health Dental Care values Dental Hygienists deeply, offering competitive pay and a focus on comprehensive patient health. Locations span across various regions, providing ample opportunities for growth.


  6. AB Staffing Solutions
    Average Salary: $131,715
    AB Staffing Solutions connects Dental Hygienists with rewarding healthcare opportunities. The company operates across various states, ensuring flexibility and diverse experiences for professionals in the field.


  7. Dental Professionals
    Average Salary: $125,966
    Dental Professionals prides itself on providing quality care through its dedicated staff. Hygienists work in a collaborative environment in several locations, focusing on patient-centered care.


  8. Ultimate Dental Group
    Average Salary: $125,455
    Ultimate Dental Group offers strong compensation for Dental Hygienists. They operate in multiple locations, fostering an environment where hygienists can thrive and build meaningful patient relationships.


  9. Interim HealthCare
    Average Salary: $125,189
    Interim HealthCare provides various healthcare services, including dental hygiene. Professionals can find rewarding opportunities while working in different settings across the country.


  10. Stynt
    Average Salary: $124,833
    Stynt connects Dental Hygienists with short-term and long-term positions, offering competitive pay. Their network spans several regions, allowing professionals to find roles that suit their lifestyle.

How to earn more as a Dental Hygienist?

As a Dental Hygienist, you can increase your earnings by focusing on several key factors. Implementing these strategies can lead to greater job satisfaction and higher pay:

  1. Gain Advanced Certifications: Pursue additional training in specialized areas such as periodontics or sedation dentistry. Certifications can make you more valuable to employers.
  2. Negotiate Your Salary: Don’t hesitate to discuss your salary during job offers or performance reviews. Research common salary ranges in your area and be prepared to present your case.
  3. Work in High-Demand Locations: Areas with a higher cost of living often offer competitive salaries for Dental Hygienists. Research and consider relocating to such regions.
  4. Build Strong Relationships: Cultivate professional relationships with dentists and patients. Positive connections can lead to more referrals and potentially higher pay through increased patient volume.
  5. Offer Additional Services: Expand your skill set by learning to provide services such as teeth whitening or oral health education. Offering these services can attract more clients and boost your income.

By focusing on these factors, you can enhance your career and maximize your earning potential in the dental hygiene field.

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Currently 5,385 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
5,385 Job Openings