How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make? 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual salary for dental hygienists is $77,090 or $37.06 per hour. 

Do Dental Hygienists Get Paid Well? 

Dental hygienists are paid well—they earn more than the average worker in their industry as well as the country. The top ten percent of dental hygienists make $104,420 per year, while the average dental hygienist makes $70,090 per year. The average salary for dental hygienists is slightly higher (0.31%) than the average salary for all health care professionals, $69,870 per year. Dental hygienists make 67% more than the average salary for all workers in the U.S. 

What is the Lowest Paid Dental Hygienist? 

The bottom ten percent of dental hygienists make $54,200 per year or $26.06 per hour. 

How Do You Become A Dental Hygienist? 

Dental hygienists typically have at least an associate’s degree. After graduating from dental hygiene programs, dental hygienists must be licensed in the state where they work. Read HealthJob’s guide to becoming a dental hygienist to learn more: How To Become A Dental Hygienist: The Simple Guide. 

How to Search for Dental Hygienist Jobs

Almost all dental hygienists work with dentists in dental offices. They can work either full time or part time. To find dental hygienist jobs, search HealthJob’s dental hygienist job board. 

How Much do Dental Hygienists Earn in Each State?

The table below compares dental hygienist salaries across states and U.S. territories (Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wages May 2020). You can also find data for the number of dental hygienists in each state as well as the number of dental hygienists per 1,000 jobs—a figure that can help you determine the job's popularity in a given location. Not all locations have employment statistics.