Dental Hygienist Salary in California
Based on 25K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$124,930
$60.06/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
+29.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $152K
25K employed in California
The median Dental Hygienist salary in California is $124,930 annually, significantly higher than the national average by 29.0%. This positions California as a top-earning state for this crucial healthcare profession, with a substantial employed workforce of 24,500 individuals.
Several factors influence a Dental Hygienist salary in California. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state, the type of dental practice (e.g., private practice vs. public health), and the level of education or specialization. These variables contribute to the broad salary range observed.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,090 |
| 25th percentile | $109,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,930 |
| 75th percentile | $132,120 |
| 90th percentile | $151,920 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $124,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,678 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $124,930 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,678 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $109,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $151,920 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Dental Hygienist ($124,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +183.0% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +151.3% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +141.1% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +134.1% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +116.6% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +101.7% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +71.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +63.2% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +61.1% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +48.6% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +34.9% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +32.8% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in California?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in California is $124,930 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $60. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported salaries.
What is the typical salary range for Dental Hygienists in California?
- In California, Dental Hygienists typically earn between $102,090 and $151,920 annually. This range highlights the potential for higher earnings based on experience and other factors.
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in California compare to the national average?
- Dental Hygienist salaries in California are considerably higher than the national average, by approximately 29.0%. This means professionals in California can expect to earn substantially more than their counterparts elsewhere in the country.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 24,500 Dental Hygienists employed in California. This large number reflects the high demand and the significant role they play in oral healthcare across the state.