What the numbers say
Vermont's median wage for Dental Hygienists was $99,490 in 2024, about 6% above the national median of $94,162. For a small state with only 520 hygienists in the workforce, that premium is notable.
The pay range is relatively tight. The bottom 10% earned around $78,390 and the top 10% reached $114,680, a spread of roughly $36,000 from floor to ceiling. Compare that to occupations where the same gap runs $60,000 or more, and you get a sense that experience and specialization buy less here than they do in some other fields. Most hygienists in Vermont cluster between $86,100 and $101,780.
Vermont's cost-of-living index sits at 102, just 2% above the national baseline. That means the $5,300 nominal premium over the national median survives nearly intact in real terms. What the money buys in Vermont is close to what it buys in an average US state, so the headline number does not need much adjustment.
BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, a pace BLS classifies as faster than average. Vermont's small base means even modest absolute growth in positions could shift the local market noticeably.
Salary distribution
Where Vermont dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $86,100 and $101,780, with a median of $99,490.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Vermont
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 Vermont 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 Vermont?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Vermont is $99,490.
- How does Vermont compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Vermont median is +5.7% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Vermont?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,390 and the 90th-percentile at $114,680, 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.