Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienists
SOC 29-1292
How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make?
The national median salary for a Dental Hygienist is $90,000 per year ($43.27/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 37% above the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Associate's in dental hygiene from accredited program (3yr typical)
National board exam + state license
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Faster than avg — the BLS projects 7% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's faster than the average across all occupations (4%).
About 13,500 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
Oral health awareness; preventive care emphasis
What It's Like to Work as a Dental Hygienist
Expect a mix of desk work and some physical activity.
This role typically requires in-person work at a specific location.
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HealthcareFrequently Asked Questions
Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov