Dental Hygienist salary: how much do hygienists make?
As of 2024, the median dental hygienist in the U.S. earns $94,260 ($45.32/hr).
BLS OEWS May 2024 for Dental Hygienists (29-1292). Many hygienists work part-time and are paid hourly; the hourly figure ($45.32/hr median) is the most comparable benchmark.
What does a hygienist earn where you are?
Pick a state and metro for a local estimate, and see how it compares to the national median.
A clearly-labeled local estimate — the verified national benchmark adjusted for location. Open the full calculator to add experience, setting, and your offer.
Pay distribution
Full dental hygienist wage distribution. Values marked “est.” are interpolated between published percentiles.
| Percentile | Annual pay | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentilei | $66,470 | $31.96/hr |
| 25th percentilei | $76,891est. | $36.97/hr |
| Median (50th)i | $94,260 | $45.32/hr |
| 75th percentilei | $110,385est. | $53.07/hr |
| 90th percentilei | $120,060 | $57.72/hr |
What drives hygienist pay
- Hourly rate and number of clinical days per week
- Geographic cost of labor (hygiene pay varies widely by metro)
- Temp/agency vs. permanent employment
- Years of experience and local hygienist supply
- Benefits and per-diem premiums
About the role
Dental hygienists perform cleanings, take and develop dental radiographs, apply sealants and fluoride, and document oral health. Many are paid hourly and a large share work part-time, which makes hourly pay the most useful benchmark for this role.
Career path
- Associate degree in dental hygiene (accredited program) + state license
- Clinical hygienist in private practice or DSO
- Bachelor's/master's for education, public health, or corporate roles
Typical responsibilities
- Remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth
- Take and develop dental radiographs
- Apply sealants and fluoride treatments
- Screen patients and review oral-health history
- Educate patients on oral hygiene
Dental Hygienist salary by state
Top modeled estimates. See all states →
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