The Highest Paying States For Dental Hygienist In 2024

The Highest Paying States For Dental Hygienist In 2024

 Whitney DiFoggio BS, RDH
Written by Whitney DiFoggio BS, RDH🔬 Evidence Based
The Highest Paying States For Dental Hygienist In 2024

Have you ever wondered which state dental hygienists make the most money in 2024? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) latest Dental Hygienist Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Report lists it all out. Depending on the cost of living in your area and the amount of experience that you have, the average dental hygienist salary is just over $81,400 per year, with higher earners topping $100,200 per year. Listed below are all 50 states, including Washington DC, ranked by average dental hygiene salary.

Dental Hygiene Salary By State

StateNumber of RDHs2024 Hourly Pay2024 Annual Salary
Alabama3,640$25.90$53,870
Alaska560$54.70$113,770
Arizona4,720$42.15$87,610
Arkansas1,590$35.36$73,540
California25,980$53.65$111,580
Colorado5,100$45.10$93,810
Connecticut3,150$44.32$92,180
Delaware730$43.03$89,490
District of Columbia150$45.08$93,770
Florida13,090$36.59$76,100
Georgia5,800$38.66$80,410
Hawaii1,100$40.31$83,850
Idaho1,780$39.49$82,140
Illinois8,430$36.60$76,120
Indiana5,210$37.75$78,530
Iowa2,340$37.49$77,990
Kansas1,750$38.64$80,360
Kentucky2,400$34.09$70,910
Louisiana2,020$37.53$78,050
Maine1,090$36.70$76,330
Maryland3,830$44.35$92,240
Massachusetts4,580$42.96$89,350
Michigan7,400$33.74$70,190
Minnesota4,800$40.78$84,810
Mississippi1,540$29.08$60,490
Missouri3,400$36.80$76,540
Montana970$40.64$84,520
Nebraska1,260$37.56$78,120
Nevada1,270$39.34$81,820
New Hampshire1,200$41.62$86,570
New Jersey6,250$45.49$94,610
New Mexico1000$42.16$87,770
New York13,360$45.49$84,860
North Carolina6,560$37.73$78,470
North Dakota890$36.91$76,760
Ohio8,320$35.68$74,220
Oklahoma2,480$41.37$86,050
Oregon3,170$45.85$95,360
Pennsylvania8,640$36.32$75,550
Rhode Island870$38.48$80,040
South Carolina3,160$34.18$71,110
South Dakota570$36.24$75,380
Tennessee4,600$32.91$68,450
Texas11,180$38.31$79,690
Utah3,210$35.24$73,300
Vermont610$41.18$85,660
Virginia5,340$43.01$89,450
Washington7,140$53.57$111,430
West Virginia1,150$30.90$64,280
Wisconsin4,760$36.53$75,970
Wyoming540$37.79$78,600

How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make Per Hour?

The average salary for dental hygienists is right around $39 per hour. Again, this number can be higher or lower and depends on what part of the country you’re in as well as the cost of living in that area. A dental hygienist's hourly pay entry-level is closer to $31 per hour. Some offices may choose to pay hygienists a flat rate per day or by the number of patients that they see. In the majority of situations, the salary is a flat hourly amount. If you consider things like a paid uniform allowances or continuing education options, the added benefits can make your salary more competitive.

 

2024 U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Best-Paying Cities For Dental Hygienists

Are you interested in relocating or becoming licensed in a different state? Knowing where the most competitive dental hygienist salary exists can help you get more bang for your buck when it comes to a job search. Although pay is significantly dependent on the cost of living where the practice is located, it can still be worth your while to explore which areas boast the highest salary.

According to US News and World Report, the American cities with the highest salary for dental hygienists include

  1. Fairbanks, Alaska (at $113,190 per year)
  2. San Jose, California ($112,210 per year)
  3. Anchorage, Alaska ($110,800 per year)
  4. San Francisco, California ($109,750 per year)
  5. Santa Rosa, California ($108,010 per year)

Top 5 Paying States For Dental Hygienists

2024 U.S. News & World Report

Maybe you’re not interested in moving to one of those five cities, but you still want to know which states have the highest dental hygiene salary when it comes to dental hygiene jobs. As you might guess, the top two are Alaska and California. But to round out the top five, you’ll also want to consider Washington, Arizona, and New Jersey. A dental hygienist career is a well-paying opportunity, regardless as to which state in which you choose to practice. 

  1. Alaska ($114,320 per year)
  2. California ($114,320 per year)
  3. Washington ($114,320 per year)
  4. Arizona ($114,320 per year)
  5. New Jersey ($114,320 per year)

Find a Dental Hygienist Job Near You

Begin your journey to find your dream dental hygiene job! Start the hunt here now.

 Whitney DiFoggio BS, RDH
Written by Whitney DiFoggio BS, RDH"Teeth Talk Girl," is a registered dental hygienist. She started her dental health journey on YouTube, educating the public through videos.
Last updated onFebruary 15, 2024Here is our process

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