If you’re considering a career as a dental hygienist, one of the most important factors to consider is the salary potential in this field. But many people also forget other factors including cost of living, quality of life, and the availability of job opportunities in various states. That’s why this article breaks down how much dental hygienists make, and all these other important factors, to help you make informed decisions about your career path and financial goals. In this article, we will delve into the average dental hygienist’s salary, explore the variations in pay across different states, and highlight the best-paying cities for dental hygienists.
How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make: By State
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) latest Dental Hygienist Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Report, the average dental hygienist salary in 2023 is just over $78,282 per year. In terms of hourly pay, the average salary for dental hygienists is approximately $37 per hour. Entry-level dental hygienists can expect a lower hourly pay of around $31. Some dental offices may opt to pay hygienists a flat rate per day or based on the number of patients they see. However, in most cases, the salary is calculated on an hourly basis.
To gain a better understanding of the regional differences in dental hygienist salaries, let’s take a closer look at the average salaries by state. The following data showcases the number of registered dental hygienists (RDHs), the hourly pay, and the annual salary for each state:
| State | Employed Dental Hygienists | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,950 | $24.58 | $51,130 |
| Alaska | 510 | $55.53 | $115,510 |
| Arizona | 3,410 | $40.05 | $83,300 |
| Arkansas | 1,260 | $35.75 | $74,360 |
| California | 25,200 | $52.02 | $108,200 |
| Colorado | 3,610 | $41.77 | $86,890 |
| Connecticut | 3,210 | $42.60 | $88,610 |
| Delaware | 760 | $40.18 | $83,560 |
| Florida | 11,230 | $35.18 | $73,180 |
| Georgia | 4,810 | $35.16 | $73,140 |
| Hawaii | 1,340 | $39.41 | $81,970 |
| Idaho | 1,880 | $36.08 | $75,040 |
| Illinois | 8,540 | $36.84 | $76,640 |
| Indiana | 5,100 | $35.79 | $74,450 |
| Iowa | 2,220 | $36.55 | $76,010 |
| Kansas | 2,010 | $34.88 | $72,540 |
| Kentucky | 2,330 | $29.57 | $61,500 |
| Louisiana | 1,880 | $35.69 | $74,240 |
| Maine | 1,130 | $34.44 | $71,640 |
| Maryland | 4,120 | $42.95 | $89,340 |
| Massachusetts | 5,220 | $41.84 | $87,030 |
| Michigan | 7,750 | $32.08 | $66,720 |
| Minnesota | 4,920 | $38.38 | $79,820 |
| Mississippi | 1,410 | $27.72 | $57,670 |
| Missouri | 2,730 | $35.69 | $74,230 |
| Montana | 940 | $38.53 | $80,140 |
| Nebraska | 1,150 | $36.39 | $75,700 |
| Nevada | 2,030 | $43.01 | $89,460 |
| New Hampshire | 1,410 | $39.74 | $82,660 |
| New Jersey | 5,030 | $41.86 | $87,070 |
| New Mexico | 900 | $40.62 | $84,480 |
| New York | 10,020 | $40.19 | $83,600 |
| North Carolina | 6,920 | $34.86 | $72,500 |
| North Dakota | 850 | $33.39 | $69,440 |
| Ohio | 8,800 | $34.75 | $72,280 |
| Oklahoma | 2,270 | $40.04 | $83,290 |
| Oregon | 3,740 | $45.40 | $94,420 |
| Pennsylvania | 9,690 | $34.48 | $71,710 |
| Rhode Island | 1,120 | $37.09 | $77,140 |
| South Carolina | 3,100 | $31.46 | $65,440 |
| South Dakota | 670 | $35.87 | $74,600 |
| Tennessee | 4,090 | $33.06 | $68,770 |
| Texas | 13,030 | $36.53 | $75,970 |
| Utah | 2,920 | $35.63 | $74,110 |
| Vermont | 520 | $35.41 | $73,650 |
| Virginia | 5,040 | $39.98 | $83,150 |
| Washington | 6,840 | $51.06 | $106,200 |
| West Virginia | 1,050 | $29.35 | $61,050 |
| Wisconsin | 4,730 | $34.87 | $72,540 |
| Wyoming | 530 | $37.50 | $78,010 |
As we analyze the figures, it becomes evident that dental hygienist salaries can significantly vary from state to state. For instance, Alaska tops the list with an impressive annual salary of $115,510, followed closely by California with $108,200. Other states offering high dental hygienist salaries include Washington, Arizona, and New Jersey. On the low end, the average pay for a hygienist in Alabama is nearly half of that of Alaska, at $51,130!
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Each State?
When discussing dental hygienist salaries, it’s essential to consider the cost of living in each state. The wages earned by dental hygienists may vary significantly in terms of purchasing power based on the average monthly rent and the value of $100 in each state. In other words, if you make $100 in one state, it may not allow you to buy the same amount of things as $100 earned in another.
Let’s examine the information provided to understand how the cost of living affects the overall financial situation of dental hygienists:
| State | Annual Mean Wage (All Occupations) | Average Annual Salary (Hygienist) | Value of $100 | Adjusted Annual Salary (Hygienist) |
| Alabama | $50,620 | $51,130 | $114.20 | $44,772 |
| Alaska | $66,130 | $115,510 | $94.90 | $121,718 |
| Arizona | $58,620 | $83,300 | $103.70 | $80,328 |
| Arkansas | $48,570 | $74,360 | $115.30 | $64,493 |
| California | $73,220 | $108,200 | $83.60 | $129,426 |
| Colorado | $67,870 | $86,890 | $98.10 | $88,573 |
| Connecticut | $69,310 | $88,610 | $95.00 | $93,274 |
| Delaware | $62,260 | $83,560 | $100.60 | $83,062 |
| Florida | $55,980 | $73,180 | $99.00 | $73,919 |
| Georgia | $58,000 | $73,140 | $106.80 | $68,483 |
| Hawaii | $61,420 | $81,970 | $80.70 | $101,574 |
| Idaho | $51,350 | $75,040 | $107.80 | $69,610 |
| Illinois | $63,930 | $76,640 | $102.60 | $74,698 |
| Indiana | $53,500 | $74,450 | $111.30 | $66,891 |
| Iowa | $53,520 | $76,010 | $111.00 | $68,477 |
| Kansas | $52,850 | $72,540 | $110.80 | $65,469 |
| Kentucky | $51,490 | $61,500 | $112.60 | $54,618 |
| Louisiana | $50,940 | $74,240 | $112.10 | $66,227 |
| Maine | $55,960 | $71,640 | $100.70 | $71,142 |
| Maryland | $69,750 | $89,340 | $92.30 | $96,793 |
| Massachusetts | $76,600 | $87,030 | $89.60 | $97,132 |
| Michigan | $58,000 | $66,720 | $107.70 | $61,950 |
| Minnesota | $63,640 | $79,820 | $102.00 | $78,255 |
| Mississippi | $45,180 | $57,670 | $115.60 | $49,888 |
| Missouri | $54,520 | $74,230 | $111.30 | $66,694 |
| Montana | $52,220 | $80,140 | $106.50 | $75,249 |
| Nebraska | $55,070 | $75,700 | $110.50 | $68,507 |
| Nevada | $55,490 | $89,460 | $102.60 | $87,193 |
| New Hampshire | $62,550 | $82,660 | $93.50 | $88,406 |
| New Jersey | $70,890 | $87,070 | $84.00 | $103,655 |
| New Mexico | $54,400 | $84,480 | $108.90 | $77,576 |
| New York | $74,870 | $83,600 | $83.70 | $99,881 |
| North Carolina | $56,220 | $72,500 | $108.30 | $66,944 |
| North Dakota | $55,800 | $69,440 | $110.70 | $62,728 |
| Ohio | $56,530 | $72,280 | $111.60 | $64,767 |
| Oklahoma | $50,940 | $83,290 | $112.80 | $73,839 |
| Oregon | $62,680 | $94,420 | $97.80 | $96,544 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,470 | $71,710 | $103.00 | $69,621 |
| Rhode Island | $64,530 | $77,140 | $98.70 | $78,156 |
| South Carolina | $50,650 | $65,440 | $108.50 | $60,313 |
| South Dakota | $49,890 | $74,600 | $112.20 | $66,488 |
| Tennessee | $52,820 | $68,770 | $110.30 | $62,348 |
| Texas | $57,300 | $75,970 | $103.50 | $73,401 |
| Utah | $57,360 | $74,110 | $103.50 | $71,604 |
| Vermont | $59,190 | $73,650 | $96.90 | $76,006 |
| Virginia | $65,590 | $83,150 | $98.70 | $84,245 |
| Washington | $72,350 | $106,200 | $91.60 | $115,939 |
| West Virginia | $49,170 | $61,050 | $112.90 | $54,074 |
| Wisconsin | $56,120 | $72,540 | $108.10 | $67,105 |
| Wyoming | $54,440 | $78,010 | $107.20 | $72,771 |
Other Factors to Consider as a Hygienist
In addition to salary potential and cost of living, dental hygienists should also consider other factors such as quality of life and job availability before choosing a state. Quality of life includes access to healthcare, educational opportunities, public safety, recreational activities, cultural amenities, and more. Job availability depends on the demand for dental services in each state. For instance, California has the highest number of dental hygienists compared to other states.
Conclusion
Choosing a career in the dental field can be very rewarding. However, there are many factors to consider before deciding which state is best for you. While salary potential and cost of living are important considerations, it’s also essential to factor in quality of life and job availability. Researching each state will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. We hope that this article has helped you get a better understanding of the dental hygienist’s salary and all the factors to consider when choosing the best state for you. Good luck!
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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