Suggested Title: Dental Hygienist Salary Can Vary Significantly!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, dental hygienists earned between $46,000 and $87,000 per annum, which works out to yearly and hourly median wages of $70,210 and $33.75 respectively. At the top of the pay scale, the salary included cash benefits to the tune of approximately $3000 in bonuses, $6000 in proceeds from profit sharing and almost $19,000 in commissions. While this was the nationwide average, in reality, dental hygienist earnings can vary significantly based on a range of factors.
Education and experience
Dental hygienists are expected to have an Associate's …show more content…
Professionals with entry level to 5 years of experience make between $29,620 and $67989. With mid level experience of 5-10 years, it is possible to draw $30,334 and $68,000.
Over ten years of experience will easily get a dental hygienist average annual earnings of $69,000 and over while the highest salary is reserved for those with 2 decades of experience under their belt. These professionals are routinely offered $72,000 and more per …show more content…
Nevada and Alaska trail behind with $88,620 and $86,300 respectively. Alabama has the lowest average salary at $44,000 followed by Mississippi at $45,000 and West Virginia at $46,000.
Employer
The specific employer is by far the most influential factor when it comes to determining dental hygienist salaries. The highest annual income is drawn by dental hygienists who are self employed and work as support service for facilities. They typically make about $74,700 each year.
However, the majority of dental hygienists are employed at dental practices where they are paid about $70,000. In contrast, salaries are the lowest at federal facilities and physicians offices at $54,000 and $64,000 respectively. Outpatient care centers have a median salary of a bit over $69,000.
Looking at more than just the