Do dental hygienists make good money?

When they work with Princess Dental Staffing they do!

Jokes aside, being a hygienist offers some impressive financial rewards, and for temps, the opportunity to work a schedule that fits your lifestyle. 

Dental hygiene also offers diverse opportunities to make money, such as commission-based pay (more on that later….).

To make the most money as a hygienist, you’ll want to work in a high-demand area or obtain an advanced degree. So let’s talk about how factors like location, experience, and education can impact your earnings as a dental hygienist.

Do dental hygienists make good money?

When I’ve talked to dental hygienists on our staffing platform and asked how earning potential played in choosing their career, they’ve expressed that it definitely played a huge role. 

Why? 

Because dental hygienists not only have opportunities to earn great income but also experience flexible schedules and other benefits. 

Are you curious how much you might be earning as a hygienist? 

Check out our dental hygienist salaries.

There are many factors that play into salary, one of them is location — Some states offer higher salaries in general compared to other states. Wondering what the top ten states are? Check this out: How much do dental hygienists make?

Do dental hygienists make six figures?

Looking to earn over $100K a year as a hygienist? 

It's possible! 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, the median annual wage for dental hygienists in the United States was approximately $87,530, and the top 5 states have salaries that hit that sweet mark of over $100k!

For example, dental hygienists in high-paying states such as Alaska, California, and Washington can earn well over $100,000 annually. Experience also plays a significant role in salary levels, with those who have over 15 years in the field potentially earning upwards of $126,000 per year.

So yes, dental hygienists can make six figures, although it is more common in certain locations and with hygienists who have more experience.

Other factors that play into making six figures include advanced roles, specializations, and commissions or bonuses. Any of these can also help boost your earnings to surpass the six-figure mark as a hygienist.

Do dental hygienists make more than nurses?

Whether dental hygienists earn more than nurses depends on several factors, including location, specialization, and experience level.

As we shared earlier, the median annual wage for dental hygienists was about $87,530 in 2023.

Salaries can be significantly higher in certain states or cities, with top earners making over $100,000 annually, especially in high-cost areas like California and Alaska.

How do nurses' salaries compare?

Registered Nurses (RNs) had a slightly lower median annual wage of approximately $81,220 in 2023.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, earn significantly more, with median annual wages around $120,680.

As with dental hygienists, nurses' salaries vary depending on their location, specialization, and experience. For example, nurse anesthetists can earn over $200,000 annually 

Overview:

• On average, dental hygienists and registered nurses have comparable earnings, with slight variations based on geographic location and workplace settings.
• Advanced practice nurses typically earn more than dental hygienists, particularly those in specialized roles.

Do dental hygienists make more than dental assistants?

Yes, dental hygienists typically earn significantly more than dental assistants.

The median annual wage for dental assistants was about $42,510 in 2023, which is significantly lower than the $87,530 hygienists median annual wage. On average, dental hygienists earn about twice as much as dental assistants. This difference reflects the higher level of education and responsibility required for dental hygienists compared to dental assistants.

Like dental hygienists and nurses, the pay for dental assistants can vary depending on location, experience, and workplace, but overall, their salaries are considerably lower than those of dental hygienists.

Do dental hygienists make more with a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, dental hygienists with a bachelor's degree generally have the potential to earn more than those with just an associate degree, although the difference is not always dramatic. The primary factors contributing to higher earnings for those with a bachelor's degree include:

1. Advanced Roles and Responsibilities: A bachelor's degree in dental hygiene can qualify individuals for more advanced roles, such as managerial positions, research, teaching, or public health roles, which often come with higher salaries 
2. Specialization Opportunities: With a bachelor’s degree, dental hygienists may have access to specialized areas of practice that can command higher wages. These roles often require additional education or certification, which can increase earning potential.
3. Career Advancement: A bachelor’s degree may also provide better opportunities for career advancement within larger dental practices or healthcare organizations, leading to higher earning potential over time.
4. Educational Setting: Those with a bachelor's degree may also work in educational settings, such as teaching in dental hygiene programs, which can offer competitive salaries and benefits.

However, it's important to note that while a bachelor's degree can open doors to higher-paying positions, the average salary difference between those with an associate degree and those with a bachelor's degree in clinical practice may not be substantial. The impact of a bachelor’s degree on salary is more pronounced when the degree leads to non-clinical roles or positions with greater responsibility.

Do dental hygienists make commissions?

Yes, some dental hygienists can earn commission, although this is not the most common payment structure in the industry. The compensation model can vary depending on the dental practice and its policies.

Commission-Based Pay:

• Production-Based Commission: In some dental practices, hygienists may receive a percentage of the revenue generated from the procedures they perform, such as cleanings, periodontal treatments, and X-rays. This model incentivizes hygienists to increase their productivity and the number of patients they see.
• Hybrid Compensation: Some practices offer a base hourly wage or salary combined with a commission on services provided. This hybrid model ensures a stable income while offering the potential to earn more based on performance.
• Bonus plans. Some practices offer bonus plans to incentivize hygienists.

While commission-based pay can be lucrative in busy or high-end practices, it is not the norm across the industry. Most dental hygienists are paid an hourly wage or an annual salary without commissions.

Dianne at RDHMag also suggests that hygienists on commission can determine their average daily wage by adding their total pay over a period of time and dividing that number by the number of days (or hours) they worked. 

For dental hygienists, commission-based pay can lead to higher earnings, especially in practices with a large patient base or where there is a high demand for advanced hygiene services. However, income based on patient flow and practice volume can create financial instability, which may not be preferable for everyone.

 

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