How much does a Dental Hygienist make?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $95,878 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 4719 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Dental Hygienist employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Dental Hygienist in United States is $115,444 per year.

The lowest salary for a Dental Hygienist in United States is $80,074 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Dental Hygienist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Dental Hygienist.

Dental hygienists earn pay higher than dental assistants, veterinary assistants and medical assistants. They generally earn salaries similar to radiation therapists or registered nurses.

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Approximately 71% of dental hygienists who reviewed their jobs anonymously on Glassdoor said they're satisfied with their earnings in this field. With a potential additional $4,482.75 in bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities, many dental hygienists can earn a high salary.

When you start your career as a dental hygienist, expect your total to be around $71,576.79. You can progress to a pay of $141,880.01 after you've shown skill and experience in the field. In addition to experience, you can also progress in your dental hygienist career with continuing education, including advanced degrees and certifications. In some states, you can even expand your scope of practice.

In some areas, you can continue your studies to become a type of dental hygienist known as a dental therapist. In this expanded role, you can earn more money with an expanded scope of practice that lets you extract teeth, place crowns and fillings, and remove oral stitches. In other places, you can increase your dental hygienist salary by earning a bachelor's degree, or even getting your master's and teaching dental hygiene either part-time or full-time. According to Glassdoor data, some dental hygienists are able to go on to become dentists.

Negotiating a higher salary in a dental hygienist job depends on your ability to highlight your experience and performance in related roles. As a new graduate, you could say something like, "I spent two years as a volunteer with my local nonprofit dental health clinic, so I'd like to request a salary of X, in line with my related experience." If you've already been working for some time, showcase your continuing education credits and your outstanding performance reviews. Document times when you've gone above and beyond expectations for your employer to emphasize your value to the practice.

About 70.73% of Dental Hygienist professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $4,483 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Dental Hygienist in United States as a good salary.

Dental Hygienist professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $71,577 and $141,880 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $100,507 following the average career path of a Dental Hygienist.