Average Salary Range of a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventative oral health care. They are an integral part of a team of dental professionals, providing education, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health problems. As such, they are well-compensated for their services.

So, what kind of salary range can a dental hygienist expect?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dental hygienists in 2019 was $75,500. The lowest 10% earned less than $52,000, while the highest 10% earned more than $102,000.

Factors that can affect a dental hygienist’s salary range include experience, geographic location, and type of dental practice.

Generally, the more experience a dental hygienist has, the higher their salary range will be. For example, a dental hygienist with 10 years of experience may earn more than one with only 5 years of experience.

Geographical location also plays a major role in how much a dental hygienist can expect to earn. States with higher than average wages for this profession include Alaska, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Conversely, states like Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, and West Virginia tend to have lower than average wages.

Finally, the type of dental practice a dental hygienist works at can affect their salary range. Those employed by hospitals, universities, and military bases tend to earn higher wages than those employed by private practices.

Overall, dental hygienists can expect to earn a competitive salary for their services.

With experience, the right location, and the right type of practice, they can earn a salary range well into the six-figure range.