What is a Dental Hygienist Salary? Your 2024 Guide to Earnings, Factors, & Career Outlook
Are you wondering how much dental hygienists make in 2024? You’re in the right place. If you’ve ever thought about a job that helps people keep their teeth and smiles healthy, being a dental hygienist could be a great choice. This guide answers your biggest questions about what dental hygienists earn, what changes their pay, what the job is like, and if it’s a good job for you. By the end, you’ll know if this is the right path for your future—and how much you could make!
Table of Contents
Introduction: What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
I remember the first time I sat in the dental chair and asked my hygienist, “What do you actually do?” She smiled and told me, “I help keep people’s teeth clean, teach them to care for their mouth, and work with dentists to stop tooth problems before they happen.” That’s about it. A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) works with dentists to clean teeth, look for gum disease, do fluoride treatments, take X-rays, and help people keep their mouths healthy.
They’re a big part of helping us stay healthy. If you want a steady job and to help others, dental hygiene is worth checking out.
What’s the Average Dental Hygienist Salary in 2024?
Let’s look right at the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median yearly pay for dental hygienists in 2024 is about $81,400. That means half of all dental hygienists make more, half make less.
Here’s a simple table showing average pay:
| Percentile | Yearly Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,000 | $29.81 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,000 | $34.13 |
| 50th Percentile | $81,400 | $39.13 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,000 | $44.23 |
| 90th Percentile | $104,000 | $50.00 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024.
So, if you’re just starting, you could make around $62,000 per year. As you get more years in the job, that number can go up to $104,000 or more.
What Factors Affect a Dental Hygienist’s Salary?
Why do some dental hygienists get paid more than others? Here are the main reasons:
- Experience – The more years you work, the more you get paid.
- Education – An associate’s degree is the lowest you need, but a bachelor’s or master’s can help you earn more.
- Location – Dental hygienists in big cities or states with higher living costs (like California or Massachusetts) get paid more than in smaller towns or states where things are cheaper.
- Where You Work – Private dental offices, hospitals, public health clinics, schools, or companies all pay differently.
- Extra Skills – Extra certificates, like knowing laser cleaning or giving numbing shots, can get you a better paycheck.
Let’s look at each one closer.
How Does Experience Change Your Pay?
When you start any job, you’ll make less than someone who’s been doing it for ten years. As a new dental hygiene graduate, your first job might pay around $60,000–$65,000 a year, especially if it’s your first work in a dental office.
After three to ten years — that’s called mid-career — most hygienists see their pay go up into the $70,000–$90,000 range.
After hitting ten years or more, and maybe getting some extra skills or certificates, you can earn more than $100,000. Some of the best-paid dental hygienists work in cities or teach at dental schools, showing you can always go higher.
Does Education Level Raise Your Earnings?
A question I hear a lot: Should I get a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s in dental hygiene?
- With just an associate’s degree, you can get hired at most offices.
- If you get a bachelor’s, you can:
- Teach at dental schools
- Move into manager jobs or research jobs
- Work in public health or places that need more skills
- Often get paid $10,000–$15,000 more each year
- A master’s degree can get you jobs in teaching, public health, or with dental companies
Think about it like this: the more you learn, the more you earn. But don’t forget to think about extra school costs and if the bigger paycheck is worth it.
Where Do Dental Hygienists Earn the Most?
Where you live really affects how much you make. The top paid dental hygienists are in states like California, Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Here’s a closer look:
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $110,000 | $52.88 |
| Alaska | $108,000 | $51.92 |
| Washington | $103,000 | $49.52 |
| Massachusetts | $102,000 | $49.04 |
| New Jersey | $100,000 | $48.08 |
The reason? These places are more costly to live in, have more dentists, and big city need for care.
But here’s a hint: Some big cities pay well, but so do some small towns that really need hygienists. Always check job ads in your area!
What Are the Best and Worst States for Dental Hygienist Pay?
Top States: We just saw the top five, but places like Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut also have good pay.
Lowest States: The states that pay the least are Alabama, West Virginia, and Mississippi, with average pay as low as $58,000 a year. Why? Usually because they have fewer big cities, a lower cost of living, and less need.
But even in states with lower pay, the money is often better than lots of other jobs, so don’t totally ignore them.
Fun Fact: Some country areas that really need dental hygienists will pay extra or give sign-on bonuses if you move there.
What’s in a Dental Hygienist’s Benefits Package?
Pay is important, but your whole benefits package matters too. Most full-time dental hygienists get:
- Health, Dental, and Eye Insurance: Helps you and your family stay healthy
- Retirement Plans (401k): The job may add money into your savings for later
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days, sick days, and sometimes paid holidays
- Classes and License Training: Time or money to take classes and keep your license
- Bonuses: Some places pay extra if you do a really good job, or if you see a lot of patients
Always ask about these when you interview for a job. Sometimes two jobs pay the same, but one has much better benefits—that can make a big difference!
What’s the Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists?
Wonder if this job still has a good future? Yes, it does!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs for dental hygienists will grow by 7% from 2022-2032. That’s quicker than many jobs.
Why?
- The population is getting older. Older adults need more dental care.
- People are learning that healthy teeth and gums are good for the whole body.
- New treatments and technology, like digital X-rays and computers in labs, mean more skilled workers are needed.
If you want job safety and steadiness, dental hygiene is a solid pick.
How Does Dental Hygiene Compare to Other Health Careers?
You might wonder how much dental hygienists make compared to jobs like dental assistant or registered nurse. Let’s see:
| Job | Median Salary (2024) | Education Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $45,000 | 1 year certificate or diploma |
| Dental Hygienist | $81,400 | 2-4 years, associate’s/bachelor’s |
| Registered Nurse | $77,000 | 2-4 years, associate’s/bachelor’s |
So, dental hygienists make more than dental assistants, and about the same as registered nurses. But hygienists usually work less on weekends and holidays—that’s a plus!
If you’re interested in the hands-on part, some dental hygienists also move into jobs in the digital dental lab, dental ceramics lab, or even help with removable dentures. These can help you learn new things and maybe make even more money.
Should You Choose a Career as a Dental Hygienist?
Let’s look at why this might be the right job for you—and some things to think about.
Problem: Lots of people want a good, respected job but worry about spending too long in school or not getting steady work.
Why it matters: It’s tough to plan for your future if you don’t know what you’ll earn or if you’ll always have a job. Wondering about paying for school and your bills is normal. You want real answers.
Good news: Dental hygiene covers a lot of what people look for:
- Good pay right away (with just a 2-year associate’s degree)
- Real job safety and good demand everywhere
- Flexible hours—many hygienists work part time if they want
- A job that matters: you help people stay healthy
- Chances to learn more and move up to teaching, managing, or working in labs like the crown and bridge lab
Still not sure? Try to spend a day watching a dental hygienist at work or talk to a dental school. That’s what I did before deciding and it helped me a lot.
FAQs
Q: Do dental hygienists work weekends or nights often?
A: Most work daytime hours, Monday to Friday. Some offices are open Saturdays, but nights or holidays are not common.
Q: Can you be a dental hygienist part time?
A: Yes! Many hygienists work three or four days a week. That’s great for work-life balance.
Q: Is it easy to find a job as a dental hygienist?
A: Pretty easy, especially in big cities or growing places. Some small-town clinics give bonuses to attract hygienists.
Q: Will I get bored just cleaning teeth day after day?
A: Not really. You teach patients, catch health problems early, and every patient is different. Plus, you can keep learning and move up.
Q: How do I become a dental hygienist?
A: Get an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, pass your state test, and find a job. After that, you can keep growing in your career.
Key Points to Remember
- National median dental hygienist pay is $81,400 a year.
- Pay goes from $62,000 to over $100,000—based on your experience, schooling, and where you live.
- Best pay is in California, Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
- Benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid days off, and training can add a lot to what you earn.
- You only need an associate’s degree to start, but bigger degrees can get you more money and job options.
- The job outlook is strong and growing.
- Dental hygienists can work in many places, from dental offices to public clinics and labs.
- It’s a job people respect and care about—a good choice if you like helping others and want solid pay.
If you like the sound of a job that people trust, always needs workers, and pays well, dental hygiene could be the next step for you. And if you’re curious about the work done behind the scenes, check out the digital dental laboratory world—there is always more to learn.
Ready to start your journey? Talk to a local dental hygienist or visit a dental school to see if this future-friendly job is a good fit for you!
Article reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024. For more info about dental jobs or new dental technology, talk to your dentist or a dental hygiene program.
