Dental Hygienist Salary in Alabama
Based on 3K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$61,160
$29.40/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
-36.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $72K
3K employed in Alabama
The median Dental Hygienist salary in Alabama is $61,160 per year, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, coming in 36.9% below it. Currently, there are an estimated 3,170 Dental Hygienists employed across the state.
Several factors influence the Dental Hygienist salary in Alabama. These can include years of experience, the specific dental practice's location within the state, and the level of education and certifications held by the professional. The salary range for this role generally falls between $48,960 and $72,410 annually.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,960 |
| 25th percentile | $58,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,160 |
| 75th percentile | $63,410 |
| 90th percentile | $72,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Hygienists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Hygienists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | 217K |
| Manufacturing | $96,200 | 40 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | 120 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,995 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,160 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,995 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $72,410 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Dental Hygienist ($61,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +749.4% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +541.5% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +408.8% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +244.0% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +242.5% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +211.2% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +164.6% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +137.2% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +120.1% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +120.0% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +72.9% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +72.7% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in Alabama?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in Alabama is $61,160 per year. This means half of Dental Hygienists earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the Alabama Dental Hygienist salary compare to the national average?
- Dental Hygienist salaries in Alabama are significantly lower than the national average, falling 36.9% below it. For example, the median salary of $61,160 is substantially less than the national median.
What is the salary range for a Dental Hygienist in Alabama?
- The typical salary range for a Dental Hygienist in Alabama is between $48,960 and $72,410 annually. This demonstrates a wide variation in earning potential within the state.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 3,170 Dental Hygienists currently employed in Alabama. This indicates a moderate-sized professional community within the state.