Dental Hygienist Salary: How Much Do They Make

Dental hygienists play a crucial role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of patients. As a vital part of the dental care team, they are responsible for cleaning teeth, examining patients for oral diseases, and providing preventative dental care. With the increasing demand for dental services, the career prospects for dental hygienists are looking brighter than ever. But have you ever wondered how much dental hygienists make? In this article, we'll delve into the world of dental hygienist salaries, exploring the factors that influence their earnings and what you can expect if you're considering a career in this field.

The demand for dental hygienists is on the rise, driven by an aging population and an increased focus on preventative care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to lead to an increase in job opportunities and, subsequently, higher salaries for dental hygienists.

Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

The salary range for dental hygienists varies widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for dental hygienists in the United States was $81,360 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $60,000 to over $100,000 per year.

Here are some average salary ranges for dental hygienists in different industries:

• Private dental practices: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
• Public health clinics: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
• Hospitals: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
• Educational institutions: $60,000 - $80,000 per year

Factors Affecting Dental Hygienist Salaries

Several factors can influence a dental hygienist's salary, including:

• Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. Cities with a high cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased cost of living.
• Experience: More experienced dental hygienists can command higher salaries, with some earning up to 20% more than their less experienced counterparts.
• Type of employer: Different employers offer varying salaries, with private dental practices tend to offer higher salaries than public health clinics.
• Education: Dental hygienists with advanced degrees or specialized training may earn higher salaries than those with only an associate's degree.

Salary Variations by State

Salaries for dental hygienists can vary significantly depending on the state. Here are some of the top-paying states for dental hygienists:

• Alaska: $94,140 per year
• California: $92,110 per year
• New Jersey: $90,610 per year
• New York: $89,490 per year
• Oregon: $88,530 per year

On the other hand, some of the lowest-paying states for dental hygienists include:

• Mississippi: $64,410 per year
• West Virginia: $65,610 per year
• Arkansas: $66,210 per year
• Alabama: $67,110 per year
• Oklahoma: $67,610 per year

Salary Variations by City

Salaries for dental hygienists can also vary within states, depending on the city. Here are some of the top-paying cities for dental hygienists:

• San Francisco, CA: $104,140 per year
• New York, NY: $98,490 per year
• Los Angeles, CA: $94,110 per year
• Seattle, WA: $92,610 per year
• Boston, MA: $91,490 per year

On the other hand, some of the lowest-paying cities for dental hygienists include:

• Birmingham, AL: $63,410 per year
• Oklahoma City, OK: $64,610 per year
• Omaha, NE: $65,210 per year
• Knoxville, TN: $66,110 per year
• Wichita, KS: $66,610 per year

Benefits and Perks

In addition to their salary, dental hygienists may also receive a range of benefits and perks, including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional membership fees
• Malpractice insurance

Conclusion

Dental hygienists play a vital role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of patients. With the increasing demand for dental services, the career prospects for dental hygienists are looking brighter than ever. While salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer, dental hygienists can expect to earn a competitive salary and receive a range of benefits and perks.

If you're considering a career as a dental hygienist, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What do you think are the most important factors influencing dental hygienist salaries? Do you have any questions about the career prospects for dental hygienists?

How much do dental hygienists make?

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The median annual salary for dental hygienists in the United States was $81,360 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What factors influence dental hygienist salaries?

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Factors that influence dental hygienist salaries include location, experience, type of employer, and education.

Which states pay dental hygienists the most?

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The top-paying states for dental hygienists include Alaska, California, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon.