If you’re looking to take your dental hygiene career to the next level in 2025, where you work matters. Salaries can widely depend on where you work, and some U.S cities offer higher pay than others. Whether you’re a new grad or considering a fresh start, here’s a look at some of the top-paying metro areas for dental hygienists.
With the national median salary for dental hygienists reaching $94,260 in 2025, the cities on our list are paying dental hygienist 30% to 47% more than the national average. Check out the best cities to work as a dental hygienist below!
Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for Dental Hygienists in 2025
1. San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward, CA
Average Salary: $138,960
The Bay Area tops the list with some of the highest wages for dental hygienists in the country, making it a great area to practice in despite the high cost of living. While the job market location quotient is 0.91 (slightly below the national average), the strong demand paired with a competitive healthcare market continues to drive high dental hygienist salaries across private practices, dental service organizations, and specialty clinics.
2. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $138,730
In the heart of Silicon Valley, dental hygienists are in demand and earn some of the best salaries in the state. The busy tech-driven city keeps practices booked year-round, with many offering signing bonuses and comprehensive benefits packages to attract top talent.
3. Santa Maria–Santa Barbara, CA
Average Salary: $133,420
With beautiful coastal views and competitive pay, this California city is a top pick for dental professionals looking to relocate. The area’s wealthy patient base supports premium dental practices, often resulting in performance bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities for hygienists.
4. Fairbanks, AK
Average Salary: $118,250
Alaska may not be everyone’s first pick, but don’t count it out just yet. Fairbanks offers excellent pay for dental hygienists and less competition in the job market. With no state income tax and the annual Permanent Fund Dividend (averaging $1,000-$2,000), your compensation increases significantly.
5. Anchorage, AK
Average Salary, $112,440
Yep, we got another Alaskan city on the list! Anchorage provides high compensation and a unique lifestyle for adventurous hygienists. The city’s job market location quotient of 1.6 indicates strong job market demand with multiple practice types (general dental practices, DSO, speciality practices, etc.) seeking qualified professionals.
6. Washington, DC
Average Salary: $111,830
The nation’s capital delivers strong earning potential along with a wide range of professional opportunities. Federal dental facilities, research hospitals, and dental schools create diverse career paths beyond traditional private practices.
7. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Average Salary: $102,450
Home to some of the best healthcare systems in the country, the Boston metro area offers excellent pay and job stability for hygienists. The concentration of dental schools and teaching hospitals provides continuing education opportunities and career advancement paths.
8. New York City, NY
Average Salary: $100,910
NYC combines high wages with one of the largest healthcare job markets in the U.S., making it a great option for career growth. The city’s diverse practice types, from cosmetic dentistry to community health centers, offers a varied experience and specialization opportunities.
9. Trenton, NJ
Average Salary: $97,290
Located near major cities like New York City and Philadelphia, Trenton provides excellent wages and access to multiple job opportunities. Many hygienists work in Trenton while living in lower-cost Pennsylvania suburbs, maximizing their earning potential.
10. Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $92,730
While not always top of mind, Honolulu offers strong salaries and an unbeatable lifestyle for dental hygienists. The island’s isolated location creates less competition for positions, and many practices offer relocation assistance and housing allowances.
Beyond Base Salary: Career Growth and Specialization
Top-paying cities can give your dental hygiene career a serious boost but the real earnings boost happens when you combine location with expanded roles and smarter career choices.
Expanded practice authority
Hygienists who are trained to administer local anesthesia, place temporary restorations, or work in public health settings can often access higher-paying positions. These responsibilities may not always guarantee a set salary bump, but they add long-term value to your career.
Specialty practice premiums
Working in areas like periodontics, pediatrics, or cosmetic dentistry often comes with higher compensation compared to general practice, especially in large metro markets where demand for specialized care is strong.
Practice ownership opportunities
In some regions, hygienists can explore collaborative practice models or mobile services that create new income streams and greater independence.
If you want to maximize your earning potential, look beyond base salaries. Combining high-demand locations with advanced skills and expanded responsibilities is one of the most reliable ways to grow your income and your career.
Next Steps
Salaries like these can vary widely from coast to coast. From the average dental hygienist salary in California to competitive pay in places like D.C, it’s clear that where you work plays a big role in what you earn.
Before Making a Move, Consider:
- Licensing requirements: Some states have reciprocity agreements, while others require additional testing
- Continuing education: Requirements vary by state and can impact your time and budget
- Scope of practice: Some states allow expanded functions that can increase earning potential
- Cost of living calculators: Use online tools to compare real purchasing power between cities
If you’re ready to explore new opportunities, research specific job openings in your target cities, connect with local dental hygienist associations, and consider temporary or contract positions to test markets before making permanent moves.
Whether you’re a new graduate mapping your first career move or an experienced professional ready for a change, these top-paying markets offer the best combination of competitive salaries, job security, and professional growth opportunities in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA leads our rankings with an average salary of $138,960, followed closely by San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara at $138,730.
Yes, California dominates our top 10 list with three metro areas in the top positions. However, when adjusted for cost of living, Alaska cities like Fairbanks offer better real purchasing power.
Top-tier dental hygienists in San Francisco and Silicon Valley can earn $165,000+ annually with experience, additional certifications, and specialization in areas like periodontal therapy.
Consider both salary potential and cost of living. While California cities offer the highest raw salaries, Alaska provides better adjusted purchasing power, and states like Nevada and Texas offer no state income tax.
Evaluate job market demand, continuing education opportunities, scope of practice laws, career advancement potential, and quality of life factors when choosing where to practice.
Dental hygienists in top-paying markets can out-earn registered nurses, physical therapist assistants, and respiratory therapists, while requiring less education than many healthcare roles.
