What the numbers say
Dental Hygienists in Washington earned a median of $125,370 in 2024, about 33% above the national median of $94,162. That is one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation across the country.
The spread within the state is also worth noting. The bottom 10% earned around $100,800, while the top 10% reached $159,470. Top earners make roughly 1.6 times what those at the lower end take home, which suggests real variation by setting, hours, and experience level.
Washington's cost of living sits about 9% above the national baseline. After accounting for that, the effective premium narrows to something closer to 22% over the US figure in real terms. Still a meaningful advantage, though smaller than the headline number implies.
BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, a pace BLS classifies as faster than average. Washington's existing base of roughly 5,140 employed hygienists gives that projection some weight.
Salary distribution
Where Washington dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $106,800 and $132,830, with a median of $125,370.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Washington
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 Washington 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 Washington metropolitan areas.
- Seattle$131,890
Compare Dental Hygienists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Washington?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Washington is $125,370.
- How does Washington compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Washington median is +33.1% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Washington?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $100,800 and the 90th-percentile at $159,470, 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.