📖 Read the dental hygienists salary & career guide →
Dental Hygienists Salary in California
Ranked #2 of 50 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of dental hygienistss in California earn between $102,090 and $151,920. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean dental hygienists salary in California is $128,110, about 29.4% above the U.S. average ($98,990). That works out to roughly $62/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $146,760 | $180,520 | 3,780 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $139,990 | $142,850 | 1,620 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $136,210 | $137,050 | 310 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $135,990 | $130,790 | 260 |
| Napa, CA | $131,370 | $131,610 | 100 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $130,600 | $129,740 | 220 |
| Vallejo, CA | $128,570 | $126,900 | 270 |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area | $126,850 | $124,950 | 140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in California?
The median dental hygienists salary in California is $124,930 per year (mean $128,110), and about 80% earn between $102,090 and $151,920.
How much do dental hygienists make per hour in California?
Roughly $62 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $128,110 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for dental hygienists?
California ranks #2 of 50 states for dental hygienists pay. Its mean salary of $128,110 is about 29.4% above the U.S. average of $98,990.
Which metro areas in California pay dental hygienists the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for dental hygienists are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($146,760), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($139,990), Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA ($136,210), by median annual wage.