Dental Hygienist Salary in South Carolina
Based on 3K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$84,340
$40.55/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
-12.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $97K
3K employed in South Carolina
The median Dental Hygienist salary in South Carolina is $84,340 per year, which translates to approximately $41 per hour. This figure is 12.9% lower than the national average for the profession. Currently, around 3,160 dental hygienists are employed in the state.
Several factors can influence a Dental Hygienist salary in South Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state, the type of dental practice, and any additional certifications or specializations held by the professional. The salary range for this role in South Carolina typically falls between $65,700 and $97,220 annually.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,700 |
| 25th percentile | $79,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,340 |
| 75th percentile | $94,830 |
| 90th percentile | $97,220 |
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,870 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,340 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,870 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $97,220 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Dental Hygienist ($84,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +326.3% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +305.5% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +258.5% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +214.8% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +183.6% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +183.3% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +181.3% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +157.4% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +106.9% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +98.1% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +88.1% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +73.0% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in South Carolina is $84,340 per year. This means half of all Dental Hygienists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Dental Hygienist salaries in South Carolina are 12.9% lower than the national average. The median salary in South Carolina is $84,340 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Hygienist in South Carolina?
- The salary range for a Dental Hygienist in South Carolina is generally between $65,700 and $97,220 per year. This means that while the median is $84,340, some professionals earn less and others earn more.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 3,160 Dental Hygienists currently employed in South Carolina. This number provides context for the job market and overall demand for the profession within the state.