What the numbers say
The median Dental Hygienist in Indiana earned $90,290 in 2024, about 4% below the US median of $94,162. That gap is modest compared to what we see in lower-wage states, but it is real.
The spread between low and high earners is notably tight. The 10th percentile came in at $63,200, and the 90th hit $101,470. Top earners made roughly 1.6 times what entry-level peers did. For a licensed clinical role, that compression is smaller than average, which suggests pay here tracks licensure and hours more than it tracks seniority or specialty.
Indiana's cost of living runs below the national baseline. Our index puts it at 91.2, meaning prices here are about 9% lower than the US average. Adjusting for that, the $90,290 median buys closer to $99,000 in national-baseline dollars, which actually edges past the unadjusted US median. The headline gap narrows considerably once you factor in what the money actually buys.
BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, which it categorizes as faster than average. That outlook applies nationally; Indiana-specific growth data is not broken out in the BLS projections series.
Salary distribution
Where Indiana dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $80,550 and $96,330, with a median of $90,290.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Indiana
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Indiana over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for dental hygienists in major Indiana metropolitan areas.
- Indianapolis$92,800
Compare Dental Hygienists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Indiana?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Indiana is $90,290.
- How does Indiana compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Indiana median is -4.1% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Indiana?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,200 and the 90th-percentile at $101,470, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.