Dental Hygienists Salary in California

How much does a Dental Hygienists make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$120,640
Median Annual Salary
$118,330
Mean Salary
$120,640
Median Salary
$58.00
Hourly Rate
24,880 people work as Dental Hygienists in California

About This Job: Dental Hygienists

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 Hygienists in California

Salaries for Dental Hygienists in California range from $103,150 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $137,870 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $107,730 and $131,080.

Median $120,640
P10: $103,150 P25: $107,730 P75: $131,080 P90: $137,870
10th
$103,150
25th
$107,730
Median
$120,640
75th
$131,080
90th
$137,870
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $103,150 $49.59 $8,595
25th Percentile $107,730 $51.79 $8,977
Median (50th) $120,640 $58.00 $10,053
75th Percentile $131,080 $63.02 $10,923
90th Percentile (Experienced) $137,870 $66.28 $11,489

Note: The mean (average) salary of $118,330 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 Hygienists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Dental Hygienists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Dental Hygienists Salary by State

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Hygienists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in California is $120,640 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $118,330.
What is the salary range for a Dental Hygienists in California?
Salaries for Dental Hygienists in California range from $103,150 at the 10th percentile to $137,870 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $107,730 and $131,080.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Hygienists in California?
Entry-level Dental Hygienists positions in California typically start around $103,150 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $107,730 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Dental Hygienists in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 24,880 people are employed as Dental Hygienists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Dental Hygienists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Dental Hygienists in California is approximately $58.00 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

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