How Much Money Does a Dental Hygienist Make?

Dental hygienists clean teeth.

Dental hygienists assist dentists by educating patients on dental hygiene, cleaning teeth and examining the mouth, applying fluoride and sealants, and taking and developing X-rays. Requirements vary by state, but they typically require a degree from an accredited dental school plus a state license. Many hygienists work part-time and with flexible scheduling.

Basics

As of May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that dental hygienists make a median hourly wage of $32.38, which is a yearly salary of $67,340. The lowest 10 percent earn $21.59 or $44,900, while the highest 10 percent make $44.64 or $92,860.

Industries

The industry type can change pay. The top five highest-paying for this job are office administrative services, with wages of $32.80 or $68,230; employment services, with wages of $32.77 or $68,150; offices of dentists, with wages of $32.77 or $68,160; outpatient care centers, with wages of $32.74 or $68,100; and offices of other health practitioners, with wages of $31.99 or $66,530.

States

The state where the job is located affects the rates. The highest-paying for this job are Alaska, in which rates are $46.29 or $96,280; Washington, in which rates are $43.34 or $90,140; California, in which rates are $42.09 or $87,540; Nevada, in which rates are $38.99 or $81,090; and Oregon, in which rates are $37.27 or $77,520.

Cities

The city in which a job is located can affect wages. Three of the best for this job are in California. They include Santa Rosa-Petaluma, in which pay runs $53.99 or $112,290; San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, in which pay runs $49.26 or $102,470; and Chico, in which rates run $46.51 or $96,730. Rounding out the list are Bremerton, Washington, with a rate of $46.83 or $97,400; and Anchorage, Alaska, with a rate of $46.77 or $97,290.

Employment Levels

The areas with the greatest employment numbers may or may not always offer the best income. For example, the industries having the most jobs for dental hygienists are the offices of dentists and employment services, which are among the top five payers. However, the states with the most employment per capita are not among the top five for salaries. This includes Michigan, with wages of $28.67 or $59,640, and Vermont, with wages of $30.98 or $64,430. Finally, the cities with the most jobs per capita do not pay the highest wages. They are Flint, Michigan, at $25.22 or $52,460, and Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, at $40.10 or $83,420.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dental Hygienists Description
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dental Hygienists Wages