Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.
$81,400
Median Salary
$87,098
Mean Salary
212,700
Total Employment
9%
Job Growth
Faster than average
Associate's degree
Education
25,524
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $48,840
25th Percentile $63,492
Median $81,400
75th Percentile $104,192
90th Percentile $136,752
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 16,350
Texas 13,800
New York 13,778
Florida 11,914
Ohio 9,819
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $145,395 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $141,949 |
| 3 | New York | $117,739 |
| 4 | Maryland | $116,714 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $110,281 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $110,265 |
| 7 | California | $104,747 |
| 8 | Alaska | $103,962 |
| 9 | Delaware | $101,793 |
| 10 | Vermont | $98,201 |
| 11 | Washington | $97,439 |
| 12 | Maine | $94,301 |
| 13 | Florida | $94,098 |
| 14 | Nevada | $93,894 |
| 15 | Illinois | $92,373 |
| 16 | Rhode Island | $91,668 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $91,504 |
| 18 | Connecticut | $90,701 |
| 19 | Utah | $88,100 |
| 20 | Wyoming | $87,979 |
| 21 | Colorado | $87,851 |
| 22 | North Carolina | $86,343 |
| 23 | Minnesota | $84,939 |
| 24 | Texas | $84,671 |
| 25 | Oregon | $84,501 |
| 26 | Ohio | $83,818 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $83,043 |
| 28 | Pennsylvania | $82,949 |
| 29 | Idaho | $82,910 |
| 30 | North Dakota | $82,287 |
| 31 | Kansas | $81,359 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $80,517 |
| 33 | Missouri | $78,722 |
| 34 | Virginia | $78,219 |
| 35 | Arizona | $77,471 |
| 36 | Montana | $77,099 |
| 37 | Iowa | $75,924 |
| 38 | Alabama | $75,521 |
| 39 | New Mexico | $75,228 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $74,087 |
| 41 | Indiana | $72,443 |
| 42 | Oklahoma | $72,196 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $72,153 |
| 44 | Mississippi | $71,713 |
| 45 | Georgia | $69,256 |
| 46 | Michigan | $69,036 |
| 47 | Tennessee | $68,354 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $67,546 |
| 49 | Kentucky | $66,096 |
| 50 | Louisiana | $65,382 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $62,757 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist?
The median salary for a Dental Hygienist is $81,400 per year nationally. Salaries range from $48,840 (10th percentile) to $136,752 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Dental Hygienist?
A Dental Hygienist typically requires a associate's degree.
What is the job outlook for Dental Hygienists?
Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 9% — faster than average. About 25,524 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Dental Hygienists the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for dental hygienists at $145,395 per year.
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