Dental hygienists in the United States make on average between approximately $65,000 and $126,000 per year, depending on factors like experience, location, and workplace setting.
- The national average hourly wage for dental hygienists in 2025 is about $48.85, which translates to roughly $94,260 per year as a median salary
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage was $94,260 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow faster than average
- Salary ranges vary by experience, with entry-level dental hygienists earning around $85,720 per year and those with 15+ years of experience earning up to about $97,086 annually
- Location significantly affects salary: for example, dental hygienists in Washington state earn around $123,510, California about $118,330, and Alaska $115,980 annually
- Some of the highest-paying metropolitan areas include San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward, CA ($138,960), San Jose, CA ($138,730), and Fairbanks, AK ($118,250)
- In Florida, the average salary is lower than the national average, around $81,180 per year
In summary, dental hygienists in the U.S. typically earn between $65,000 and $130,000 annually, with variation due to experience and geography.
