The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $72,330 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,440.
Some dental hygienists receive benefits, such as vacation, sick leave, and contributions to their retirement fund. However, benefits vary by employer and may be available only to full-time workers.
About half of dental hygienists worked part time in 2014. Dentists often hire hygienists to work only a few days a week, so some hygienists work for more than one dentist.
Dental Hygienists
Median annual wages, May 2015
Dental hygienists
$72,330
Health technologists and technicians
$42,190
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics