What the numbers say
Montana's median wage for Dental Hygienists was $94,740 in 2024, about $578 above the US median of $94,162. That is a narrow gap, and it is worth saying plainly: Montana pays nearly the same as the country as a whole for this role.
The spread between the bottom and top of the wage range is tighter than we see in most occupations. The 10th percentile came in at $80,440 and the 90th at $101,410. That is a difference of roughly $21,000 from one end to the other. For comparison, many healthcare roles show gaps two or three times that wide. Here the range is compressed, which suggests wages in Montana cluster fairly close to the middle regardless of experience or practice setting.
Montana's cost of living runs slightly below the national baseline. Our index puts it at 96.8, meaning goods and services cost about 3% less here than the US average. After adjusting for that, the effective purchasing power of the state median is closer to $97,870 in national-baseline dollars. That modest cost advantage nudges Montana's real-terms position a little ahead of where the nominal figure sits.
BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, which falls in the "faster than average" category. Montana's total employment in this role was 950 in 2024, a relatively small base, so even modest absolute job growth can move the percentage noticeably.
Salary distribution
Where Montana dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $82,850 and $98,080, with a median of $94,740.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Montana
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 Montana 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 Montana?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Montana is $94,740.
- How does Montana compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Montana median is +0.6% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Montana?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $80,440 and the 90th-percentile at $101,410, 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.