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Dental Hygienists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Dental Hygienists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$124,930
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.2% vs 2024
$128,110
Mean Salary
$124,930
Median Salary
$60.06
Hourly Rate
24,500 people work as Dental Hygienists in California

Dental Hygienists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Dental Hygienists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Dental Hygienists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $102,090$102,09025th25% earn less than $109,730$109,730MedianHalf earn more than $124,930$124,93075th75% earn less than $132,120$132,12090thTop 10% earn more than $151,920$151,920

Dental Hygienists in California earn a median salary of $124,930 per year ($10,410/month). This is 29.0% above the national average of $96,870. California ranks #4 out of 50 states for Dental Hygienists pay. Approximately 24,500 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.2% compared to 2024.

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 $102,090 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $151,920 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $109,730 and $132,120.

Median $124,930
P10: $102,090 P25: $109,730 P75: $132,120 P90: $151,920
10th
$102,090
25th
$109,730
Median
$124,930
75th
$132,120
90th
$151,920
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $102,090 $49.08 $8,507
25th Percentile $109,730 $52.75 $9,144
Median (50th) $124,930 $60.06 $10,410
75th Percentile $132,120 $63.52 $11,010
90th Percentile (Experienced) $151,920 $73.04 $12,660

Note: The mean (average) salary of $128,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#4
California ranks #4 of 50 states
$96,870
National avg. for Dental Hygienists
+29.0%
vs. national average
Above Average

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 →

Explore Dental Hygienists Data in California

Dental Hygienists Salary by State

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

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Dental Hygienists make in California?
The median annual salary for Dental Hygienists in California is $124,930 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $128,110.
What is the salary range for a Dental Hygienists in California?
Salaries for Dental Hygienists in California range from $102,090 at the 10th percentile to $151,920 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $109,730 and $132,120.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Hygienists in California?
Entry-level Dental Hygienists positions in California typically start around $102,090 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $109,730 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Dental Hygienists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 24,500 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 $60.06 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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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