Dental Hygienists Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $153,434 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $150,465 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $140,566 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $136,606 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $130,667 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $128,687 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $126,707 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $123,738 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $120,768 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $113,838 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $113,838 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $112,849 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $110,869 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $108,889 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $108,889 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $106,909 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $103,940 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $103,940 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $100,970 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $100,970 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $98,990 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $98,990 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $98,000 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $98,000 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $97,010 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $94,040 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $94,040 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $92,061 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $92,061 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $92,061 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $91,071 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $91,071 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $90,081 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $89,091 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $87,111 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $87,111 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $87,111 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $87,111 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $87,111 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $87,111 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $86,121 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $86,121 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $86,121 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $85,131 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $84,142 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $84,142 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $83,152 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $82,162 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $82,162 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $79,192 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $77,212 | -22.0% | High |
A Dental Hygienists's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Dental Hygienistss typically earn $77,438–$87,672 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $110,699–$115,966 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Dental Hygienists role currently has high demand in the job market with a 4.2% growth rate, making it one of the most growing careers in the Healthcare sector.
-
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienists?The average salary for a Dental Hygienists in the United States is $98,990 per year, with a median of $98,100.
-
What is the starting salary for a Dental Hygienists?Entry-level Dental Hygienistss typically earn between $77,438 and $87,672 per year depending on location and employer.
-
What state pays Dental Hygienistss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Dental Hygienistss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
-
How much does a Dental Hygienists make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $98,990, a Dental Hygienists earns approximately $47.59 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
-
Is Dental Hygienists a good career in 2026?Yes — the Dental Hygienists role has high demand with 4.2% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.