What the numbers say
Dental Hygienists in Iowa had a median annual wage of $82,770 in 2024, about 12% below the national median of $94,162. That gap is real, but it does not tell the whole story.
Iowa's cost of living runs roughly 10% below the national average. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, the difference between working here and working in a higher-wage state shrinks considerably. A hygienist earning $82,770 in Des Moines stretches further than the same number suggests on paper.
The wage spread here is notably narrow. The 10th percentile came in at $78,270 and the 90th at $94,140, a range of about $16,000. In most occupations that spread is two to three times wider. For dental hygienists in Iowa, experience and seniority appear to move pay only modestly. Someone entering the field can expect to land close to what a veteran earns, which cuts both ways: less upside over time, but also a more predictable floor.
BLS projects 7% growth for dental hygienists nationally between 2024 and 2034, a rate BLS classifies as faster than average. Iowa's 2,020 employed hygienists represent a small base, so even modest statewide demand shifts can translate into meaningful job availability.
Salary distribution
Where Iowa dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $79,710 and $92,270, with a median of $82,770.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Iowa
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 Iowa 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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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Iowa?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Iowa is $82,770.
- How does Iowa compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Iowa median is -12.1% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Iowa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,270 and the 90th-percentile at $94,140, 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.