May 2025 federal wage data, every state and metro
What dental hygienists are paid, where you work
The median dental hygienist in the U.S. earns $47.16 an hour, or $98,100 a year. The middle half of hygienists earn between $40.18 and $52.16 an hour. Look up your state or metro, then check what your license covers.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries.
Find your state
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries. Median hourly wage shown.
Highest-paying states
| District of Columbia | $65.97 | $137,220 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $63.79 | $132,690 |
| Washington | $63.06 | $131,160 |
| California | $60.06 | $124,930 |
| Oregon | $58.69 | $122,080 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries.
Highest-paying metro areas
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $70.56 | $146,760 |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $67.30 | $139,990 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $65.49 | $136,210 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $65.38 | $135,990 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $64.30 | $133,740 |
| Anchorage, AK | $63.82 | $132,740 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $63.40 | $131,860 |
| Napa, CA | $63.16 | $131,370 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries.
State license guides
Exams, fees, local anesthesia and nitrous permits, supervision rules, license by credential and renewal, taken from each state's board and code.
Hiring a dental hygienist in your area?
Short on hygiene coverage for a day, a leave or for good? Send the details once. A dental staffing service or recruiter that covers your area follows up with you directly.
- Temp days, ongoing part time, or a permanent hire
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire