Find a Job You Really Want In
As dental hygienists continue to be an essential part of the healthcare workforce in the United States, opportunities for this profession remain robust across various states. With high demand for dental care, there’s a significant presence of dental hygienists nationwide, not limited to just a few regions like California or the South.
At Zippia, we analyzed the current labor market to identify which states offer the most favorable conditions for dental hygienists. This includes a mix of job availability, competitive salaries, and career advancement opportunities throughout their professional journey.
Utilizing updated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of the top states for dental hygienists in 2026, highlighting where they can thrive professionally.
These states represent the best opportunities for dental hygienists looking to advance in their careers while enjoying competitive compensation.
Curious about how we determined these rankings? Keep reading to learn about our methodology for evaluating the best states for dental hygienists.
If you’re interested in more insights about the job market, check out these resources:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Alaska
- The 100 Largest Companies In Alaska
- The 10 Highest Dental Hygienist Salaries By State
How We Determined the Best States for Dental Hygienists
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers to understand their priorities. Our research indicates that the two most important factors for job seekers are:
- Job availability
- Competitive pay
To pinpoint the best states for dental hygienists, we examined data to assess job availability and salary levels, using criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics for 2023:
- Location quotient: A measure of how prevalent a job is in a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison across states, we adjusted salary data according to each state’s cost of living. This means that while a state like California may have a higher average salary, it may not stretch as far as salaries in states with a lower cost of living.
By ranking each state on these criteria from 1 to 50, we created a composite Job Score, where the state with the lowest score ranks as the best state for dental hygienists.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these states stand out for dental hygienists.
1. Alaska
Total Jobs: 600
Average Annual Salary: $114,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $86,080
Average Experienced Salary: $149,460
Location Quotient: 1.27
2. Idaho
Total Jobs: 1,700
Average Annual Salary: $74,430
Average Entry Level Salary: $61,000
Average Experienced Salary: $95,260
Location Quotient: 1.62
3. Washington
Total Jobs: 6,010
Average Annual Salary: $90,690
Average Entry Level Salary: $64,700
Average Experienced Salary: $118,260
Location Quotient: 1.24
4. Colorado
Total Jobs: 4,470
Average Annual Salary: $84,510
Average Entry Level Salary: $68,160
Average Experienced Salary: $101,520
Location Quotient: 1.15
5. Arizona
Total Jobs: 3,200
Average Annual Salary: $85,890
Average Entry Level Salary: $66,230
Average Experienced Salary: $101,700
Location Quotient: 0.77
6. Nevada
Total Jobs: 2,540
Average Annual Salary: $81,270
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,070
Average Experienced Salary: $101,760
Location Quotient: 1.27
7. Texas
Total Jobs: 13,850
Average Annual Salary: $75,300
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,790
Average Experienced Salary: $97,920
Location Quotient: 0.77
8. Utah
Total Jobs: 2,860
Average Annual Salary: $69,490
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,220
Average Experienced Salary: $83,430
Location Quotient: 1.32
9. Delaware
Total Jobs: 650
Average Annual Salary: $78,550
Average Entry Level Salary: $65,450
Average Experienced Salary: $98,120
Location Quotient: 0.97
10. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 5,160
Average Annual Salary: $74,240
Average Entry Level Salary: $60,540
Average Experienced Salary: $93,670
Location Quotient: 1.21
In Summary: The Best States for Dental Hygienists
For aspiring dental hygienists, these states should top your list. They offer competitive pay, abundant job opportunities, and pathways for career advancement.
If you’re interested in where dental hygienists might find less favorable conditions, consider these states:
Detailed List of the Best States for Dental Hygienists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $114,320 |
| 2 | Idaho | $74,430 |
| 3 | Washington | $90,690 |
| 4 | Colorado | $84,510 |
| 5 | Arizona | $85,890 |
| 6 | Nevada | $81,270 |
| 7 | Texas | $75,300 |
| 8 | Utah | $69,490 |
| 9 | Delaware | $78,550 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $74,240 |
| 11 | Oregon | $85,280 |
| 12 | Illinois | $72,640 |
| 13 | Michigan | $64,130 |
| 14 | Virginia | $79,640 |
| 15 | Wyoming | $69,620 |
| 16 | Montana | $74,350 |
| 17 | Oklahoma | $73,990 |
| 18 | Indiana | $68,000 |
| 19 | Arkansas | $71,090 |
| 20 | Missouri | $68,820 |
| 21 | Iowa | $68,870 |
| 22 | Ohio | $68,310 |
| 23 | New Hampshire | $79,560 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $69,500 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $75,860 |
| 26 | North Dakota | $72,580 |
| 27 | California | $100,830 |
| 28 | Kansas | $64,980 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $66,290 |
| 30 | Georgia | $65,650 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | $65,540 |
| 32 | New Jersey | $85,860 |
| 33 | Rhode Island | $74,650 |
| 34 | Pennsylvania | $67,010 |
| 35 | Nebraska | $65,870 |
| 36 | Connecticut | $83,630 |
| 37 | Vermont | $72,490 |
| 38 | Massachusetts | $82,750 |
| 39 | Maine | $65,500 |
| 40 | Kentucky | $59,910 |
| 41 | Maryland | $85,240 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $57,740 |
| 43 | Mississippi | $57,860 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $64,580 |
| 45 | Alabama | $46,500 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $61,440 |
| 47 | Florida | $64,070 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $59,810 |
| 49 | New York | $76,280 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $77,920 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
