Independent licensure in many states, often hourly, frequent part-time arrangements.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Dental Hygienists. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $67,900 | $54,000 | $81,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $84,300 | $67,100 | $100,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $97,000 | $77,200 | $115,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $116,400 | $92,600 | $138,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $131,900 | $104,900 | $157,400 |
Top 10 states by median Dental Hygienist salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $137,800 | $104,700 | $179,100 | +42% |
| Washington DC | $135,800 | $103,200 | $176,600 | +40% |
| New York | $129,000 | $98,100 | $167,700 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $126,100 | $95,900 | $164,000 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $122,200 | $92,900 | $158,900 | +26% |
| Alaska | $121,300 | $92,200 | $157,700 | +25% |
| Washington | $121,300 | $92,200 | $157,700 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $117,400 | $89,200 | $152,600 | +21% |
| Maryland | $116,400 | $88,500 | $151,400 | +20% |
| Colorado | $113,500 | $86,300 | $147,600 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $82,500 | $62,700 | $107,200 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $81,500 | $61,900 | $105,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $81,500 | $61,900 | $105,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $81,500 | $61,900 | $105,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $80,500 | $61,200 | $104,700 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $80,500 | $61,200 | $104,700 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $77,600 | $59,000 | $100,900 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $77,600 | $59,000 | $100,900 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $75,700 | $57,500 | $98,400 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $75,700 | $57,500 | $98,400 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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