Dental hygienists in the United States make a median salary of about $87,530 per year as of 2023, with the top 25% earning over $100,000 annually and the lowest 25% earning around $78,000
. Average salaries vary significantly by state, with higher pay typically found in states like Alaska, California, Washington, and New Jersey, where annual salaries can exceed $100,000
. Hourly wages average around $39 per hour nationally, with entry-level positions closer to $31 per hour
. Some sources report slightly different averages, such as $77,000 to $95,000 per year depending on experience and location
. In summary:
- Median annual salary: approximately $87,530
- Top 25% earn over $100,000 annually
- Average hourly wage: about $39
- Entry-level hourly wage: around $31
- Highest paying states: Alaska (~$115,000), California (~$108,000), Washington (~$106,000), Oregon (~$94,000), New Jersey (~$87,000)
Salaries depend on location, experience, and employer type, with dentists' offices generally offering higher pay than government positions