The Dental Hygienist Salary Per Hour In USA 2023

Are you want some info about the Dental Hygienist Salary Per Hour In USA topic. We add all type of old and new information about this topic below.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look in-depth at dental hygienist salaries per hour in America and examine what influences them; plus, find out which states offer the highest and lowest wages and compare them with other healthcare professions.

Plus, we’ll offer tips for maximizing your salary and discuss its advantages and potential drawbacks.

What Affects Dental Hygienist Salary Per Hour In USA

In America, several factors can influence the hourly wage earned by dental hygienists. we add some points who Affects Dental Hygienist Salary Per Hour In USA:

Geographic Location

One of the biggest factors affecting dental hygienist wages is location.

Wages can differ significantly between states and even within regions; for instance, California dental hygienists earn an average hourly wage of $49.69, while those in Alabama make, on average, $29.13 per hour.

Years of Experience

Experience is another factor that can influence dental hygienists’ wages. As with most professions, those with more experience earn higher wages.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienists with less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly wage of $28.93; those with 20 or more years earn on average $44.85 per hour.

Type of Employer

Employer type will affect the wages of dental hygienists. While the majority work in dental offices there are some who work in other environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and general health clinics.

The salaries for these occupations differ depending on the location; doctors working in offices earn an average of $35.76 per hour, and those who work in outpatient care centers earn, an average of $41.75 an hour.

Education and Certification Engagement

Finally, education and certification can influence dental hygienists’ wages. While most hold an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, some may pursue advanced degrees or certifications in specialized fields.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienists with at least a bachelor’s degree can expect higher wages than those with just an associate’s degree.

State with Highest Paying Salaries for Dental Hygienists

Dental Hygienist Salary Per Hour in some of the highest-paying states in America.

If you’re seeking to increase your salary as a dental hygienist, one of these states could be worth considering:

Alaska:

Dental hygienists in Alaska earn an average hourly wage of $52.59, making it the highest-paying state for them.

California:

On average, dental hygienists earn $49.35 an hour in California.

Washington State: 

Dental hygienists in Washington earn a mean hourly wage of $46.03 as of 2017.

New Mexico:

On average, dental hygienists in New Mexico make $43.22 an hour.

Nevada:

For dental hygienists in Nevada, the hourly wage for these professionals is $42.33.

The Lowest Paying States for Dental Hygienists worker?

Conversely, suppose you’re trying to avoid the lowest-paying states for dental hygienists. In that case, it may be wise to avoid the following:

Mississippi:

Dental hygienists in Mississippi earn an average hourly wage of $28.49, making it the lowest-paying state for this profession.

Arkansas:

Arkansas dental hygienists make an average hourly wage of $29.19.

Alabama:

Alabama’s dental hygienists earn an average hourly wage of $29.89.

West Virginia:

Dental hygienists in West Virginia make an average hourly wage of $30.04.

Oklahoma:

For dental hygienists in Oklahoma, the average hourly wage is $30.70.

Comparison of Dental Hygienist Salaries with Other Healthcare Professions

Do you want to compare the salaries for Dental Hygienists and other healthcare professions?

Dental hygienists earn a competitive salary when compared to other healthcare professions. Here is an example of dental hygienist salaries across different healthcare fields:

Registered Nurses: On average, registered nurses make $36.22, slightly higher than the hourly wage for dental hygienists ($36.22).

Physical Therapists: Physical therapists earn an average hourly wage of $44.54 per hour, which is higher than dental hygienists ($24.54).

Physician Assistants: On average, physician assistants earn $53.65, significantly more than the $43.65 hourly wage earned by dental hygienists.

Tips for Enhancing Dental Hygienist Salaries

One of the most significant factors in increasing a dental hygienist’s salary is experience and skill set.

Gain certification in more than one state: Being licensed to practice dental hygiene in multiple states can open the door to greater job prospects and the ability to negotiate a higher salary.

Acquire experience: The more experience you possess, the more valuable you become to employers – which could translate into increased salary potential.

Pursue Higher Education: Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene can open the door to higher-paying jobs and more opportunities for advancement.

Negotiate Your Salary: Research the average salary for dental hygienists in your area, and be ready to explain why you feel you deserve more.

Benefits and Rewards for Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists enjoy numerous advantages.

Health insurance: Many dental offices provide health insurance as a benefit to their employees.

Retirement Plans: Some dental offices provide retirement plans such as 401(k) or pension options.

Paid Time Off: Dental hygienists may receive paid Time off for vacation, sick days and holidays.

Continuing Education: Many employers will pay dental hygienists to attend continuing education courses to keep their skills and knowledge current.

Flexible Work Schedule: Some dental offices offer flexible work schedules that may promote a better work-life balance.

Challenges Await Dental Hygiene Professionals

Physical Demands: Dental hygienists typically spend a great deal of time standing, which could put undue strain on their back, neck, and hands.

Exposure to Diseases: Dental hygienists may come into contact with infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV, which can be hazardous if left unchecked.

Workload: Dental hygienists often face the challenge of seeing many patients quickly, which can prove physically and psychologically draining.

Continuing Education Requirements: Maintaining continuing education is essential for dental hygienists, yet balancing work and education obligations may prove challenging.

Conclusion

Dental hygienists play a crucial role in delivering preventive oral care to patients. In the USA, their hourly wage is attractive, and the field offers numerous avenues for career progression.

However, like any profession, it comes with its set of challenges. Dental hygienists might grapple with the physical demands of the job, potential exposure to diseases, and sometimes, a hefty workload.

Yet, by strategically navigating their career paths, leveraging tips to enhance their earnings, and making the most of the benefits provided by their employers, dental hygienists can thrive and find fulfillment in their chosen field.

Leave a Comment