The average dental hygienist salary in the US is $98,990 per year. The median of $98,100 sits close to the average, which tells you the distribution is fairly balanced and the average is a reliable starting point for setting offers. For most hiring situations, anchoring near $98,100 will put you in line with what the typical dental hygienist earns nationally.
Dental hygienist salary in the US (2026)
The average dental hygienist salary in the US is $98,990. The median of $98,100 is the more reliable anchor for most hiring decisions, because it reflects what a typical dental hygienist actually earns rather than being pulled upward by high earners in a few markets. The spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles is wide enough that your offer will need to account for local market rates, since Washington and California dental hygienists earn well above the national average.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Average annual salary | $98,990 |
Median annual salary | $98,100 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 222,740 employed dental hygienists across the US.
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Dental hygienist salary percentiles
Percentile | Annual salary |
10th percentile | $74,880 |
25th percentile | $83,570 |
75th percentile | $108,480 |
90th percentile | $126,050 |
If you want to attract experienced dental hygienists without overpaying entry-level candidates, anchoring offers between $83,570 and $108,480 covers the middle of the market. Top earners reach $126,050, so budget accordingly when recruiting senior or specialized candidates.
How dental hygienist salaries compare across states
State | Average annual salary | Median annual salary |
Washington | $131,530 | $131,160 |
California | $128,110 | $124,930 |
Colorado | $110,030 | $109,580 |
Virginia | $105,120 | $102,950 |
New York | $103,640 | $106,130 |
Massachusetts | $102,160 | $100,640 |
Texas | $96,240 | $99,240 |
Illinois | $91,820 | $96,670 |
Georgia | $91,220 | $95,490 |
Florida | $88,320 | $91,980 |
Where you hire matters as much as what you offer, so build your compensation budget around the state where the role will be based. Washington and California average $131,530 and $128,110 respectively, while Florida and Georgia sit closer to $88,320 and $91,220. A national benchmark like $98,990 will underpay in coastal markets and overpay in lower-cost states.
Frequently asked questions about dental hygienist salary in the US
What is the average dental hygienist salary in the US?
What is the salary range for a dental hygienist in the US?
The full range runs from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $126,050 at the 90th percentile. The middle of the market, between the 25th and 75th percentiles, spans $83,570 to $108,480. Offers within that band will be competitive for most candidates without reaching into top-earner territory.
What do the top-earning dental hygienists make nationally?
Dental hygienists at the 90th percentile earn $126,050 per year nationally. If you are recruiting senior or highly experienced candidates, expect compensation requests in that range. Budget at least $108,480 to attract candidates in the upper half of the market.
Which states pay the most for dental hygienists?
Washington and California pay the most, with average annual salaries of $131,530 and $128,110 respectively. Colorado ranks third at $110,030, followed by Virginia at $105,120 and New York at $103,640. If you are hiring in any of these states, plan for offers well above the national average of $98,990.
More salary data
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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