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Dental Hygienist Salary in California

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$121,080
Median Annual Salary
$127,090
Mean Salary
$121,080
Median Salary
$58.21
Hourly Rate
22,940 people work as Dental Hygienist in California

About This Job: Dental Hygienist

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.5
Writing
3.12
Monitoring
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
4.59
Customer and Personal Service
3.94
Psychology
2.99
English Language
2.81
Education and Training
2.59
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (75.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Dental Hygienist in California

Salaries for Dental Hygienist in California range from $56,330 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $137,460 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $106,480 and $129,880.

Median $121,080
P10: $56,330 P25: $106,480 P75: $129,880 P90: $137,460
10th
$56,330
25th
$106,480
Median
$121,080
75th
$129,880
90th
$137,460
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $56,330 $27.08 $4,694
25th Percentile $106,480 $51.19 $8,873
Median (50th) $121,080 $58.21 $10,090
75th Percentile $129,880 $62.44 $10,823
90th Percentile (Experienced) $137,460 $66.09 $11,455

Note: The mean (average) salary of $127,090 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Dental Hygienist salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Dental Hygienist Salary by State

Compare Dental Hygienist pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in California?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienist in California is $121,080 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $127,090.
What is the salary range for a Dental Hygienist in California?
Salaries for Dental Hygienist in California range from $56,330 at the 10th percentile to $137,460 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $106,480 and $129,880.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Hygienist in California?
Entry-level Dental Hygienist positions in California typically start around $56,330 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $106,480 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Dental Hygienist in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 22,940 people are employed as Dental Hygienist in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Dental Hygienist in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Dental Hygienist in California is approximately $58.21 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS