What the numbers say
Dental Hygienists in Massachusetts earned a median of $100,790 in 2024, about 7% above the US median of $94,162. That is a real but modest premium for a high-cost state.
The wage spread here is unusually tight. The 10th percentile came in at $95,400 and the 90th at $107,560, a gap of roughly $12,000. For most occupations we see the top earners pull well ahead of the bottom. Here they do not. A hygienist starting out in Massachusetts earns close to what a long-tenured peer earns. That narrowness likely reflects how standardized the role is across dental practices, where scope of practice, hours, and billing rates cluster in a narrow band.
Massachusetts carries a cost-of-living index of 109.6, meaning everyday expenses run about 10% above the national baseline. After adjusting for that, the $6,600 nominal premium over the US median shrinks to something closer to break-even. The state pays more, but a similar dollar amount buys less here than it would in a lower-cost state.
BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. Massachusetts already employs around 6,780 hygienists, a sizable base for a state this size. Whether that growth rate translates to strong local demand will depend on how dental practice ownership and insurance coverage shift over the decade.
Salary distribution
Where Massachusetts dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $97,950 and $104,830, with a median of $100,790.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts metropolitan areas.
- Boston$102,060
Compare Dental Hygienists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Massachusetts?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Massachusetts is $100,790.
- How does Massachusetts compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Massachusetts median is +7.0% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Massachusetts?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $95,400 and the 90th-percentile at $107,560, 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.