Dental Hygienist Salaries in the U.S. (2024–2025): ToothTalk by Alex Report
- Alex Gomes
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
The ToothTalk by Alex team conducted a comprehensive survey on the average annual salaries of dental hygienists across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, comparing 2024 and 2025.
The primary source was the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — the U.S. government agency that collects and publishes labor market data — complemented by data compiled by Becker’s Dental, which organized state-by-state salary variations. Additional sources were consulted to validate trends.
The result is clear: almost every state saw salary growth from 2024 to 2025, confirming the increasing valuation of dental hygienists in the U.S.
👊Key Findings
Consistent National GrowthAll states and Washington, D.C. saw salary increases in 2025 compared to 2024, except Louisiana, which had a slight decrease (–3.53%).
States with the Highest Salaries in 2025
Washington, D.C. — $130,850
California — $127,090
Washington (state) — $125,090
Alaska — $118,010These states combine high salaries with high living costs but remain financially attractive destinations.
States with the Largest Percentage Growth
Washington, D.C. (+15.18%)
Nevada (+12.48%)
Oregon (+11.30%)
Tennessee (+10.43%)
Maine (+10.03%)These states show a mix of political hubs and regions with growing healthcare demand.
National ReferenceThe national median salary in May 2024 was $94,260, according to the BLS, serving as a benchmark for state deviations.
😊Regional Overview
West Coast & Pacific: California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska lead in salaries, with Oregon seeing a notable 11%+ growth.
Northeast: Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey offer solid salaries, generally above $95,000.
South: Although average salaries are lower, states like Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina saw significant increases, signaling gradual growth.
Midwest: States such as Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin maintain stability, with averages near or above $90,000.
😐 The Louisiana Case
Louisiana was the only state showing a salary decline: from $78,980 in 2024 to $76,190 in 2025. This could be due to BLS methodology revisions, local cost-of-living adjustments, or specific labor market fluctuations.
Despite this, the trend nationwide remains growth-oriented.
🔥Factors Explaining Salary Increases
The observed salary growth is not isolated but results from structural trends in oral healthcare, driven by social behavior, public policy, and labor market dynamics.
1.Growing Demand for Preventive Care
Dental care is shifting from reactive treatment to preventive care.
Research shows oral health is directly linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Dental plans and public health programs encourage regular preventive visits.
Dental hygienists are essential, performing prophylaxis, fluoride application, sealants, hygiene counseling, and continuous patient monitoring.
This repositioning increased demand and drove salary growth.
2.Professional Shortages in Certain Regions
The distribution of dental hygienists is uneven.
Rural states like Montana and North Dakota face recruitment challenges.
Clinics in these areas offer higher salaries and additional benefits to compete with urban centers.
COVID-19 accelerated retirements and temporary workforce reductions, leaving gaps yet to be fully filled.
This scarcity increases bargaining power and pressures salaries upward.
3.Cost of Living Adjustments
High-cost states like California, New York, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii adjust salaries to ensure financial sustainability.
Higher salaries reflect both professional valuation and the need to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.
California: Cost of living 50% above national average; housing 116% more expensive; food 12% above average. Average rent in June 2025 exceeded $5,900/month.
New York: Cost of living 70% above national average; housing 200% more expensive; a family of four requires ~$276,973/year to live comfortably in 2025.
Washington, D.C.: Cost of living 42% above average; housing 122% more expensive; average per capita annual spending $92,037 in 2023.
Hawaii: Extremely high cost of living; a family of four requires $10,588/month for a comfortable lifestyle; a single individual needs $70,000–$100,000/year.
In Washington, D.C., the 2025 average salary of $130,850 is over $30,000 higher than the national median, showing that salaries often follow cost-of-living indicators.
4.Expanded Scope of Practice
Dental hygienists’ responsibilities are expanding.
Many states have increased autonomy, allowing work in schools, community clinics, and public health programs.
Some states created the “advanced dental hygienist” role with additional responsibilities similar to physician assistants.
Recognition of their clinical and social impact drives direct salary increases.
Hygienists are increasingly seen as central members of the oral health team.
🔥Career Impacts and Outlook
Salary growth strengthens dental hygiene as one of the most promising healthcare professions in the U.S. The career offers stability, flexibility, and mobility across states.
1.Sustained Growth
BLS projects a 7% employment growth for dental hygienists between 2024 and 2034, faster than average for all occupations.
Approximately 15,300 annual job openings are expected due to retirements and occupational changes.
2.Job Satisfaction and Retention
79% of registered hygienists intend to stay in the profession for at least another decade; 21% consider leaving due to physical demands, burnout, or limited growth.
Flexible work schedules are a major factor, with many choosing temporary positions or multiple offices to balance work-life needs.
3.Compensation and Benefits
Average pay in 2024 reached $81,627, with benefits coverage increasing from 43% in 2021 to 92% in 2024.
Sectors like IT, insurance, and public administration offer higher salaries, ranging $140,000–$245,000/year, depending on experience and location.
4.Opportunities by Region
Dental hygienists considering relocation or career growth can focus on two strategies:
High-salary states: California, Washington, D.C., and Washington state for immediate earnings, with higher living costs.
High-growth states: Nevada, Oregon, and Tennessee, where demand for dental services is increasing, offering expansion opportunities.
Investments in education and incentives in these regions enhance job opportunities and professional growth.
🚀 Conclusion
The ToothTalk by Alex survey confirms that dental hygiene in the U.S. is in a cycle of growth and increasing value. Salaries reflect not only financial gains but structural changes, recognizing the profession as essential to overall health.
With median salaries above $90,000/year in most states and peaks exceeding $125,000, dental hygiene remains one of the most attractive healthcare careers.
This report serves as a consultative reference for current professionals, students, and immigrants aiming to build a solid dental hygiene career in the U.S.
Sources:
Becker’s Dental — Dental hygienist pay 2025 vs. 2024 by state
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
RentCafe Cost of Living Calculator
LAO: California Housing Report
NY Post: Cost of Living NYC 2025
SoFi: Washington D.C. Living Costs
Living in Hawaii / HiEstates Blog
RDH Magazine, Dental Economics, Glassdoor
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