Dental Hygienists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$94,260
~$45/hr · ~$7,855/mo
US Jobs
222K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
2/10
Safe
AI & Automation Risk
Safe 2/10
The core of this occupation involves high-precision manual dexterity and physical procedures performed on patients in a clinical setting, which AI cannot replicate. While AI may assist with peripheral tasks like analyzing X-rays or automating patient documentation, the primary work of cleaning teeth and conducting physical exams remains insulated from automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks-College, AKBEST VALUE | $130,110 | Average (101.2) | $128,568 |
| Boulder, CO | $125,980 | Average (100.6) | $125,211 |
| Vallejo, CA | $134,450 | Above avg (109.4) | $122,944 |
| Anchorage, AK | $129,780 | Above avg (106.8) | $121,550 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $135,010 | Above avg (113.1) | $119,416 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $131,610 | Above avg (110.3) | $119,371 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $118,360 | Average (100.7) | $117,565 |
| Yuba City, CA | $121,670 | Above avg (103.8) | $117,241 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $131,890 | Above avg (112.7) | $116,995 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $132,010 | Above avg (113.7) | $116,076 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $124,550 | Above avg (107.6) | $115,787 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $122,740 | Above avg (106.4) | $115,401 |
| Bellingham, WA | $120,030 | Above avg (104.0) | $115,400 |
| Modesto, CA | $121,010 | Above avg (105.1) | $115,108 |
| Napa, CA | $127,840 | Above avg (111.8) | $114,320 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Associate's degree
10-Year Growth
+7% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$45/hr
Monthly Income
~$7,855/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)