Dental hygienist pay
What dental hygienists earn — and keep — in 2026
Dental hygiene is one of the highest-paying careers you can enter with a two-year associate degree. The BLS puts the median dental hygienist at $94,260 (May 2024), with the top 10% over $124,000. The profession is also unusually flexible — many hygienists work part-time or per-diem at a high hourly rate while keeping a strong income.
Where a hygienist's paycheck goes
On the $94,260 median, a single hygienist pays federal income tax in the 22% bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Hygienists in private practice may have fewer employer benefits than hospital workers, making pre-tax retirement contributions especially worthwhile — enter them in the pre-tax field.
The highest-paying states for hygienists
Wages run highest in California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Arizona. Washington and Alaska pair top pay with no state income tax, maximizing take-home; California taxes its high wages more.
Compare hygiene with other healthcare careers
See how hygienist pay compares with a registered nurse or physical therapist, or check your exact net in Texas.
Questions
Dental Hygienist Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a dental hygienist make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $94,260 for dental hygienists (May 2024) — one of the highest-paying careers requiring only an associate degree. Pay is strong nationwide, with the top 10% earning over $124,000. Many hygienists work part-time or per-diem at a high hourly rate (often $40–$60/hour).
What is a dental hygienist's take-home pay on $94,260?
A single hygienist earning the $94,260 median takes home roughly $71,000 to $73,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, less where state tax applies. Because many hygienists work fewer than 40 hours, enter your actual annual earnings for an accurate figure.
Do part-time dental hygienists earn a high hourly rate?
Yes. Dental hygiene is often a part-time or per-diem profession with hourly rates frequently in the $40–$60 range. Working three or four days a week can still produce a strong income. Convert your hourly rate to an annual figure (rate × hours/week × weeks/year) and enter it above.
Which states pay dental hygienists the most?
California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Arizona report the highest average dental hygienist wages. Washington and Alaska also have no state income tax, so they combine top pay with maximum take-home, while California taxes its high wages more heavily.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Dental Hygienists (median $94,260, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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