Best Cities for Dental Hygienist Salary
If you are curious about which is the highest paying cities for dental hygienists, you have come to the right place. Dental hygienists help to keep your teeth clean and healthy and are compensated for their work at different levels in different areas of the country.
This blog, will provide information regarding the highest-paying cities for dental hygienists, the best cities for the dental hygienist’s salary, and the dental hygienist’s pay by city. In addition, this guide will also provide information about the highest paying states for dental hygienists and the highest paying areas for dental hygienists.
Who Is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed professional in the field of oral health, working under the supervision of a dentist, to promote and maintain optimal oral health. The primary responsibility of a dental hygienist is to provide preventive care, thereby preventing oral health problems from occurring.
Some of the duties a dental hygienist performs include:
- Cleaning patients’ teeth from plaque, tartar, and discoloration that regular brushing is often unable to eliminate.
- Evaluating patients’ oral health by determining if their mouth is healthy, detecting early signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health problems, and taking any necessary X-rays.
- Administering treatments and protective services such as sealants and fluoride to decrease the likelihood of developing cavities.
- Teaching patients to maintain healthy gums and teeth through proper brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene.
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and wellness, as well as preventing dental diseases through education and clinical care.
Highest Paying Cities for Dental Hygienists
Cities where dental hygienists receive the highest salaries typically have expensive living conditions, engaged dental offices, and high demand for dental services. Because of this, dental hygienists can earn more competitive salaries and provide necessary preventative care at the same time.
Some of the highest-paying cities for dental hygienists include:
- San Francisco, California.
- Seattle, Washington.
- Boston, Massachusetts.
- Anchorage, Alaska.
- New York City, New York
In these cities, dental hygienists can earn more money because dentists need dental hygienists to manage patient care; at the same time, residents prioritize oral health. These cities also frequently occupy some of the highest paying states for dental hygienists, and the demand at the state level and local cost of living help raise wages for dental hygienists.
All in all, working in these cities will help dental hygienists earn the most money while obtaining valuable experience in high-demand settings.
Why Dental Hygienist Salaries Vary by City
You may be curious as to why dental hygienist salaries differ depending on the city. There are several principal variables that determine how much a dental hygienist can earn in different geographical areas:
1. Cost of Living: Cities with a higher cost of living (rent, transportation, groceries, etc.) typically pay dental hygienists more than a city with a lower cost of living to help the professional maintain a reasonable standard of living.
2. Demand for Dental Services: Cities that have a high population and more dental offices typically have a greater demand for dental hygienists. As a result, salaries for dental hygienists are higher than those of skilled professionals.
3. Experience & Skill set: Specific cities could require dental hygienists to obtain advanced clinical certifications, a certain number of years of experience, or additional specialty skills. This can greatly impact salaries.
4. Local Economy: Cities with rapidly growing economies that can support many health-related businesses (and therefore, dental practices) are generally going to pay dental hygienists a higher salary.
While there are a number of contributing factors, one should see why a dental hygienist’s salary by city can vary so much. Deciding on what city to work in could greatly impact your potential salary and job growth as a dental hygienist.
Also Read: Top 5 Dental Hygienist Responsibilities
List of Top Paying States For Dental Hygienists
If you’re thinking about working as a dental hygienist, it’s important to know that salaries can change substantially by state. States that typically pay dental hygienists the most generally have a strong healthcare marketplace, increased demand for dental services, and a higher cost of living, which together support higher wages.
1. California: California has remained one of the highest-paying states for dental hygienists. Additionally, cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have many job opportunities with their large populations and high demand for dental services. However, it is worth mentioning that these are also areas with a high cost of living.
Average Salary Each Year: $127,090.
2. Washington: Washington state provides excellent pay for dental hygienists, especially in urban areas like Seattle. A strong economy and a major focus on health care lead to a demand for dental providers in the state.
Average Yearly Income: $106,200
3. Alaska: Alaska has some of the highest compensation levels for dental hygienists in the United States. The remote locations and unique health care challenges create a constant need for dental professionals and higher pay levels.
Average Yearly Salary: $115,980
4. Oregon: Demand for dental hygienists is increasing in Oregon due, in part, to population growth and an emphasis on preventive care. Portland and other cities have sufficient need, resulting in high salary levels.
Average Annual Salary: $94,420
5. Massachusetts: Massachusetts continues to have significant healthcare capacity, most notably, the availability of dental offices and allied health facilities. This direct result of healthcare quality of care is reflected in salary levels for dental hygienists, who earn among the highest average rates in the country.
Average Annual Salary: $101,050
Where Dental Hygienists Make the Most Money
Dental hygienists earn a higher salary in areas where demand for dental care is strong, the healthcare market is robust, and the cost of living is high. The top-paying cities for dental hygienists in the United States are San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; Anchorage, Alaska; and New York City, New York.
In these cities, dental hygienists earn top salaries because dental practices compete for talented professionals, and residents care about their oral health. Working in these cities as a dental hygienist allows them to maximize their pay income and gain valuable experience working in an established dental market.
Final Outcome Over Highest-Paying Cities for Dental Hygienists
By knowing the highest paying cities for dental hygienists, you can make informed decisions about your career. Cities where dental hygienists earn the most money are usually in specific states, like California, Washington, and Massachusetts.
When it comes to any discussion on where dental hygienists make the most money, always take into consideration the salary, along with the cost of living and job opportunities. Use the dental hygienist salary by city data to help you make a decision and choose a place to live and work where you will be happy and successful.
Are you ready to find the best city for your dental hygienist career? Start exploring opportunities today, compare salaries, living costs, and the benefits of each location before you decide. If you are a dental practice looking to hire a dental hygienist, choosing the right city can also help you attract top talent.
Contact Hire Smiles today for expert guidance and support in your journey.
FAQs About the Highest Paying Cities For Dental Hygienists
Q1. Which cities pay dental hygienists the most?
Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Anchorage, and New York City are among the highest-paying cities.
Q2. Do dental hygienist salaries vary a lot when accounting for each city?
Salaries can vary due to the cost of living, demand, and local economy.
Q3. What states pay dental hygienists the most?
States that pay dental hygienists the most are California, Washington, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Oregon tend to be the highest paying states.
Q4. Is it better to have a city that is high paying, or a lower cost of living city?
It is best to account for both factors because you want the best of both worlds for your lifestyle.
Q5. How much do dental hygienists earn in San Francisco?
They earn an average salary of over $100,000 per year.
Q6. What jobs can provide the best dental hygienist salary?
Dental hygienist jobs in cities that are very busy and with lots of dental offices usually tend to provide a higher salary.
Q7. Can experience have an impact on the salary of a dental hygienist?
Yes. Typically the more experience you have, the better salary you will earn.
Q8. Is it possible to get a decent job with decent pay in a smaller city as a dental hygienist?
Yes, but typically you will earn less than the average salary of jobs in larger cities.
Related Article: Dental Hygienist Career Opportunities
