Dental Hygienist Earnings

The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $71,520 in May 2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,190, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,390.

Pay for dental hygienists may be for each hour worked, each day worked, on a regular yearly salary, or on commission. Some dental hygienists also get benefits, such as vacation, sick leave, and contributions to their retirement fund. However, benefits vary by employer and may be available only to full-time workers.

Most dental hygienists work part time. About 50 percent of hygienists worked full time in 2014.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition