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Dental Hygienist Salary in Washington, DC

How much does a dental hygienist make in Washington? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Washington's cost of living.

Median Salary
$109,020
per year in Washington
Entry Level
$73,149
Starting salary
Senior Level
$147,704
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how dental hygienist salaries break down across different pay periods in Washington.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$73,149$109,020$147,704
Monthly$6,096$9,085$12,309
Biweekly$2,813$4,193$5,681
Weekly$1,407$2,097$2,840
Hourly$35$52$71

Washington vs National Average

How Washington's dental hygienist salaries compare to national figures.

Washington Salary
$109,020
COL Index: 158
National Average
$82,990
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$26,030
Higher in Washington

Cost of Living in Washington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$90,842
per year
Population
689,545
residents
Rent % of Income
29.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Washington have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Dental Hygienist

Overview

Clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients on oral hygiene.

Education

Associate's degree in Dental Hygiene; licensure required

Key Skills

Dental CleaningPatient EducationX-ray TechnologyScaling

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Dental Hygienist Salary

See Dental Hygienist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$103,640
-5%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,480
-2%
Chicago, IL
$98,030
-10%
Houston, TX
$103,050
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$97,920
-10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Dental Hygienist Salary in Washington, DC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dental hygienist in Washington, DC is $109,020 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Washington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dental hygienist professionals in Washington can expect to earn around $73,149 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dental hygienists earning approximately $147,704 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Washington's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Washington are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $82,990, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a dental hygienist's salary in Washington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 24.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Dental Hygienists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Washington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.