What is the salary range for a Dental Hygienist?

Dental Hygienist salaries typically range between a low of $39.45 and a high of $68.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the hiring company.

Which cities pay the most for Dental Hygienist?

Some of the highest-paying cities for Dental Hygienist include Washington, DC at $63.83 per hour, San Diego, CA at $61.48 per hour, and Aurora, CO at $61.14 per hour.

Which companies pay the highest salaries for Dental Hygienist?

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Dental Hygienist include Hilde Family Dentistry ($272,740 per year) and Pierce College District ($203,258 per year).

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Dental hygienist salary in United States

Q: What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in the United States?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $51.96 per hour in the United States. This figure is based on 70k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on August 17, 2026. Find your next high paying job as a Dental Hygienist on Indeed today

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in the United States?

Average base salary

$51.96

Average $51.96

Low $39.45

High $68.43

The average salary for a dental hygienist is $51.96 per hour in the United States. 70k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated August 17, 2026).

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

A dental hygienist works in collaboration with dental office managers, dental assistants and dentists to support positive oral health. Serving both child and adult patients, a dental hygienist prioritizes the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Often, they also perform duties to support general office operations and efficiency. Under the supervision of a board-certified dentist, their specific responsibilities include:

Educating patients about effective strategies for maintaining oral hygiene such as proper brushing and flossing
Cleaning teeth, including the removal of calculus (or tartar) and plaque
Performing advanced cleaning procedures as needed, including root planing and scaling
Supporting positive patient follow-up care through patient and family education
Taking impressions of a patient's teeth via a dental mold known for study and treatment planning
Completing paperwork and related office management documentation
Conducting patient screenings to establish overall oral health
Taking basic vital signs, oral health history and oral health assessments
Summarizing screening and cleaning results for the dentist to inform their examination

Depending on the state's specific licensure requirements, dental hygienists may also perform the following additional duties: