Dental Hygienist Salary 2025: Median $98,100, Top Earners Over $126,000
The median dental hygienist earned $98,100 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $47 an hour. The middle 80% of workers earned between $74,880 and $126,050. With 222,740 jobs nationwide and above-average growth projected, it's a strong career for those who can handle the licensing process.
How much Dental Hygienists earn
The national median annual wage for dental hygienists is $98,100. The mean hourly wage is about $47, and the mean annual figure is $98,990. Pay varies widely: the lowest 10% earn around $74,880, while the highest 10% make over $126,050.
Geographic location is the biggest driver of pay differences. But experience, education level, and work setting also matter. Those in dentists' offices (the largest employer) earn slightly less than those working for government agencies or specialty clinics. Part-time work is common, which can lower annual totals if you don't pick up full hours.
Pay by state
Where you work drastically changes your paycheck. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia, where the average annual wage reaches $137,220. Alaska comes next at $132,690, followed by Washington ($131,160), California ($124,930), and Oregon ($122,080). These states have higher cost of living but also stronger labor demand or union presence.
At the lower end, West Virginia averages $73,840, Mississippi $67,280, and Alabama $61,160. If you're willing to move, the gap between top and bottom states is over $75,000 a year.
How to become a Dental Hygienist
Becoming a dental hygienist requires an accredited associate degree or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. Most programs take three years. After that, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical exam to get licensed. Every state requires licensure; some have additional jurisprudence exams.
The typical path: complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), then pass the written and clinical boards. Many hygienists start with an associate degree, which is the most common entry point. Continuing education is required to renew licenses.
- Earn an associate or bachelor's degree from a CODA-accredited program (about 3 years for associate).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (written).
- Pass a state or regional clinical board exam.
- Apply for state licensure and meet any extra requirements (e.g., CPR certification, jurisprudence exam).
- Renew license periodically with continuing education credits.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of dental hygienists will grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 15,300 openings per year over the decade, mostly due to replacement of retiring workers and rising demand for preventive dental care.
Growth is driven by an aging population needing more dental services and by research linking oral health to overall health. However, some slowdown could come if insurance reimbursement policies change or if dental practices consolidate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a dental hygienist?
Entry-level dental hygienists typically earn around the 10th percentile, which is about $74,880 according to BLS data. New graduates may start lower, around $60,000–$70,000 in some regions, but that figure rises quickly with experience.
Is dental hygiene a good career in 2025?
Yes. The median wage is well above the national average, job growth is faster than average (7%), and there are about 15,300 openings yearly. The main downside is the upfront cost of education and licensing, plus potential for repetitive stress injuries.
Can you make six figures as a dental hygienist?
Yes. The top 10% earn over $126,050. Hygienists in high-paying states like D.C., Alaska, or Washington can average over $130,000. Working in a specialty practice, taking on extra shifts, or moving to a high-demand area can push you into six figures.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Dental Hygienists data.