Dental Hygienist Salary in 2026
Source: BLS OES May 2024 · Updated April 2026
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024), the median annual salary for a Dental Hygienist is $94,260 per year. The BLS projects 7% employment growth for this occupation over the 2024–2034 decade.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $94,260 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 7% |
| Total Employment | 219,070 |
| Typical Education | Associate's degree |
| SOC Code | 29-1292 |
Which Skills Increase Dental Hygienist Pay?
Dental Hygienists with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Henry Schein DentrixMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist?
- The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienist is $94,260 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is Dental Hygienist a growing career?
- Employment for Dental Hygienist roles is projected to grow 7% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 219,070 workers nationally.
- What skills increase Dental Hygienist pay?
- Dental Hygienists who demonstrate skills like Henry Schein Dentrix, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.