Resources for dental hygienists
Whether you're just entering the dental field or thinking about switching practices, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is, “How much do dental hygienists actually earn per hour?” And it’s a fair question, since hourly wage affects your schedule, lifestyle, and how much flexibility you have. Some hygienists choose part-time hours for a better work-life balance, while others aim to maximize income in high-demand cities. In 2025, the average hourly wage for a dental hygienist in the U.S. is $48.85, and depending on where you live and how long you’ve been in the field, that number can go much higher. In this guide, we’ll break down current hourly rates across the country, show how experience and location impact your earnings, and offer practical advice to help you increase your wage.
What Is the Average Hourly Wage of a Dental Hygienist in 2025?
If you're working as a registered dental hygienist (RDH), you're likely earning somewhere between $45 and $60 an hour, but where you fall in that range depends on several factors. Let's start with the national average.
According to the 2025 DentalPost Salary Survey, the average dental hygienist salary across the U.S. is $48.85, a solid increase from $45.75 in 2023. The median hourly wage sits at $47.00 per hour.
These numbers reflect a consistent upward trend in hygienist pay. In fact, wages have climbed for the third year in a row. The demand for skilled hygienists is strong, especially as more practices expand hygiene schedules and patients return to regular dental care post-pandemic.
But don’t assume every hygienist is making $48 an hour. Survey respondents reported wages ranging from $17 to $90 per hour. The lower end typically includes part-time or newer professionals in rural markets. The higher end is often found in metro areas, specialty practices, or positions that require advanced certifications.
If you're trying to determine whether your pay is in line with the national average, keep reading; we’ll break it down by experience, region, and more.
How Experience Affects a Dental Hygienist's Hourly Pay
Experience doesn’t just make you more efficient in the operatory. It can also bump up your paycheck. Practices that focus on efficient hiring practices recognize the value of experienced hygienists.
Here’s what the data shows:
Less than 4 years of experience: $48.81/hour
6 to 9 years: $50.89/hour
9 to 14 years: $59.79/hour
25+ years: $49.79/hour
That big jump in the 9–14 year range reflects what many hygienists already know — there’s a sweet spot in your career when your skills are sharp, your speed is high, and you’re trusted to take on more complex cases. Employers often reward that with higher rates.
Interestingly, the average dips slightly past the 25-year mark. That doesn’t mean long-time hygienists aren’t valued; many just reduce their hours or step away from clinical work entirely, which can pull down the average wage reported.
If you’re earlier in your career and still earning in the $40–$45 range, you’re not doing anything wrong. But you might want to track your progress year over year. If your rate isn’t increasing as your experience grows, it could be time to negotiate or explore other offices.
And if you’ve been in hygiene for 10 years or more, you should absolutely be aiming above $55 an hour, especially if you’re consistently booked and managing complex patients with minimal oversight.
Highest Paying Cities and States for Dental Hygienists (Upper-Range of Rates)
Location plays a huge role in how much you can earn as a dental hygienist. While the national average is a helpful benchmark, local job markets tell a different story — and in some cities, hygienists are earning well above $65 per hour.
Here’s a snapshot of the highest max hourly wages reported in U.S. cities, based on internal Teero data:
City | High Median Hourly Rate |
Washington, D.C. | $76 |
Minneapolis–St. Paul | $72 |
Baltimore | $70 |
Milwaukee | $68 |
Madison | $68 |
Boston | $68 |
New York City | $68 |
St. Louis | $67 |
Richmond | $66 |
Virginia Beach | $66 |
Columbus | $64 |
Cincinnati | $64 |
Green Bay | $63 |
Charlotte | $63 |
Chicago | $62 |
Philadelphia | $62 |
Pittsburgh | $62 |
Louisville | $62 |
Raleigh–Durham | $61 |
Kansas City | $60 |
Indianapolis | $60 |
Detroit | $58 |
Cleveland | $56 |
Nashville | $56 |
Grand Rapids | $54 |
Buffalo | $54 |
These aren't starting wages, they reflect the highest rates currently being paid in those markets. That said, they’re a strong indicator of earning potential if you have experience, flexibility, or specialized skills.
It’s also worth noting that urban areas tend to pay more not just because of cost of living, but because practices often need to stay competitive to attract and retain top hygienists. Higher patient volume, extended hours, and corporate group structures can also push wages upward.
But there’s a tradeoff. Higher-paying cities often come with more competition, longer commutes, and stricter scheduling. If you’re weighing a move or considering a job offer, don’t just look at the hourly rate. Factor in your lifestyle, workload, and benefits.
Dental Hygienist Pay by U.S. Region
Where you live can significantly influence your hourly wage as a dental hygienist. In some regions, top earners can make nearly $60 per hour, while others report averages closer to $39. This variation can be a key factor when making a dental career comparison.
According to the 2025 DentalPost Salary Survey, here’s how the numbers break down:
Region | Average Hourly Rate | Median Hourly Rate |
Pacific (CA, WA, OR, HI, AK) | $59.99 | $60.50 |
Mountain (AZ, CO, UT, NV, etc.) | $50.73 | $50.00 |
South Atlantic (FL, GA, NC, VA, etc.) | $53.98 | $45.00 |
Northeast (CT, MA, RI, etc.) | $48.91 | $48.00 |
Mid-Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA) | $46.90 | $45.50 |
West North Central (IA, MO, MN, etc.) | $46.38 | $45.00 |
West South Central (TX, OK, AR, LA) | $50.05 | $48.00 |
East North Central (IL, MI, OH, WI) | $44.98 | $45.00 |
East South Central (KY, AL, TN, MS) | $38.69 | $38.00 |
The Pacific and Mountain regions lead the country, with averages that reflect both high demand and high cost of living. On the flip side, areas like the East South Central region trail behind, often due to lower regional pricing structures and oversaturation.
If you're looking to relocate or negotiate pay, it helps to know how your state stacks up. A hygienist earning $50/hour in Colorado might be right on target, while that same rate in Alabama could place you well above average.
Keep in mind: regional averages don't tell the whole story. Urban hubs within lower-paying regions, like Nashville or Louisville, can still offer competitive rates, especially as hiring demand rises.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time: What’s the Difference in Hourly Pay?
Many hygienists assume that full-time work equals higher pay. But that's not always the case when it comes to hourly wages.
According to the 2025 DentalPost survey, nearly 57% of hygienists work between 32 and 40 hours per week, which is considered full-time. Another 39% work part-time, often by choice. And here’s where it gets interesting: some part-time hygienists report higher hourly rates than their full-time counterparts.
Why? In many cases, part-time roles don’t come with benefits. Without health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions, practices may offer more per hour to stay competitive. That can lead to a higher immediate paycheck, but less financial support in the long run.
Here’s how work schedules break down:
Full-time (32–40 hours/week): Majority of RDHs (57%)
Part-time (under 32 hours/week): Common among parents, students, and late-career hygienists
More than 40 hours/week: Just over 4% of hygienists
If you’re debating full-time vs part-time, look beyond the hourly number. Ask about PTO, CE reimbursement, uniform allowances, and retirement plans. A few extra dollars per hour might not be worth it if you’re missing out on benefits that help long term.
On the other hand, if flexibility and fewer clinical days matter more to you right now, a higher part-time rate might be the right call.
What Benefits Do Dental Hygienists Receive in 2025?
Hourly wage is just one piece of the compensation puzzle. Benefits can add real value to your overall earnings, but not every hygienist receives the same perks.
In 2024, 91.9% of dental hygienists reported receiving some type of benefit, which is an improvement from previous years.
Here’s what most full-time RDHs reported getting:
Paid holidays and vacation
Retirement plans (401k or similar)
Dental coverage
Continuing education reimbursement
Vision insurance
Medical insurance (still less common, but highly desired)
While medical coverage remains the most wanted benefit, many hygienists still don’t receive it, especially those in smaller private practices or working part-time.
Interestingly, even among those who get benefits, only half say they’re satisfied with the package. It comes down to whether the coverage supports your health, finances, and career.
If you're negotiating a new role or reviewing your current one, take stock of what you're being offered beyond the hourly rate. Ask questions like:
Do unused vacation days roll over?
Is there a match on the retirement plan?
Does the CE allowance cover travel or just registration?
Benefits won’t show up on your paycheck, but over time, they can make a significant difference, both in savings and in quality of life.
Are Dental Hygienists Satisfied With Their Pay?
So, the numbers are rising, but how do hygienists feel about their compensation?
According to the 2025 DentalPost survey on hygienist job satisfaction, only about 50.3% of RDHs say they’re satisfied or very satisfied with their total pay package. That includes hourly wages, benefits, and bonuses. On the flip side, one in four say they’re dissatisfied, often citing stagnant wages, lack of benefits, or not feeling valued by their employers.
A large number of hygienists also made moves in the past year. Roughly 20.5% changed jobs, and the top reasons weren’t surprising:
Higher pay
Better work environment
More appreciation from management
What’s even more telling is that over 78% of those who made a change say they accomplished what they were looking for. That speaks volumes. In a competitive hiring market, hygienists have more leverage, and many are using it.
Still, job satisfaction isn’t only about money. It’s also about patient relationships, team culture, and autonomy. But when pay falls short of your skill level, it’s tough to stay motivated. Addressing issues early can prevent burnout; for strategies, consider learning about hygiene burnout solutions.
If you’re feeling underpaid or undervalued, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to settle. Plenty of practices are willing to pay competitively, especially if you bring strong clinical skills and a team-first mindset.
How to Increase Your Hourly Wage as a Dental Hygienist
If you're feeling stuck at your current rate, you're not out of options. There are several proven ways to boost your hourly wage — some you can act on immediately, others that build over time through career advancement.
1. Specialize or Expand Your Skill Set
Adding certifications can open doors to higher-paying roles. For example:
Local anesthesia licensing
Nitrous oxide monitoring
Laser therapy
Periodontal scaling and root planing expertise
Practices are often willing to pay more for hygienists who can take on advanced procedures without a dentist present.
2. Work in Higher-Paying Cities or Regions
Relocation isn’t realistic for everyone, but if you're mobile, look into cities with higher max rates like Washington D.C., Minneapolis, or Baltimore. Even a 10–15% pay jump can make a big difference, especially if the cost of living is manageable.
3. Negotiate (Strategically)
If you haven’t asked for a raise in the last 12–18 months, it might be time to consider negotiating higher pay. Don’t just walk in and ask for more money — come prepared. Gather data:
Your production numbers
Local average wages
Added responsibilities or skills since your last review
Frame the conversation around value, not just inflation.
4. Explore Temp or Fill-In Work
Temping can pay more per hour, sometimes significantly more, especially on short notice. It’s a great way to supplement your income or test out other offices before making a switch. Finding high-paying temp jobs can boost your earnings quickly; Teero can help you with that.
5. Be Selective With Your Work Environment
Workplace culture affects everything, including your paycheck. Offices that value their staff tend to pay better, invest in continuing education, and offer consistent raises. If your current office doesn’t, others will.
Know Your Value and Take the Next Step
The hourly wage of a dental hygienist in 2025 sits at an average of $48.85, but that number only tells part of the story. Depending on where you live, how much experience you bring, and whether you’re working full-time or part-time, your rate could range anywhere from $38 to over $70 per hour.
We’ve seen that metro areas like Washington D.C. and Minneapolis are leading the pack, but even mid-sized cities like Richmond and Columbus are proving competitive. Beyond location, your wage is shaped by your certifications, your willingness to negotiate, and how much your current office invests in its team.
If your current pay doesn’t reflect the skills and effort you bring to the table, it may be time to look elsewhere, and you don’t have to do that alone.
At Teero, we connect experienced dental hygienists with top-rated practices offering competitive pay, real benefits, and the kind of work environment you actually want to be part of.
Ready to find your next opportunity? Try Teero today.