Introduction
A registered dental hygienist is a licensed oral health practitioner who provides patients with preventative dental treatment. Their responsibilities include Cleaning teeth, inspecting gums and teeth for symptoms of illness, and informing about good oral care practices. Dental hygienists often help dentists during treatments and handle administrative duties like patient record management. A dental hygienist’s salary in the United States varies according to several factors. Let us know ‘Salaries For Registered Dental Hygienist’.
Salaries For Registered Dental Hygienist
A rookie Dental hygienist gets an average salary of $60,000 per year. With 5-10 years of experience, they can earn an average salary of $74,820 annually. With more experience in this field, the salary can go upto $90,640 per year. Moreover, the salary of a dental hygienist can vary according to location, educational qualification, practice setting, etc. This article will go into great detail on the salary levels according to experience and the wage levels in different states of the US.
Factors affecting the salary for registered dental hygienist
Several factors can influence a registered dental hygienist’s income in the United States. Let’s discuss these factors in detail
- Education and Certification: One of the major factors that influence the salary of an RDH is their education level and certification. If the dental hygienist has a professional degree like a bachelor’s or master’s, he will make more than diploma holders.
- Experience: An important element in determining an RDH’s income is their experience level. Newcomer dental hygienists often start with lower earnings. However, those with years of experience can earn more than average. RDHs with five years of experience can earn much more than entry-level RDHs.
- Geographical Location: An RDH’s pay is also determined by the location of their practice. States or locations with higher living costs or great demand for dental hygienists pay more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, California, and Oregon have the highest mean pay for RDHs.
- Practice Setting: RDHs who own their private clinic or work in a private clinic earn more than others. While dental hygienists working in a government organization or in a community center make lower income.
Salary Levels According to Experience
Entry-Level Registered Dental Hygienist Salary
Entry-level registered dental hygienists have recently graduated from a reputed dental hygiene program with little to no job experience. The average wage for entry-level licensed dental hygienists in the United States is roughly $60,000 per year. Still, this salary can also differentiate based on in which state they are working.
Mid-Level Registered Dental Hygienists’ Salaries
Mid-level registered dental hygienists have been in the business for several years, often three to five years. In the United States, the average income for a mid-level licensed dental hygienist is roughly $75,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the state where they work, with some jurisdictions providing larger salaries than others.
Level of Salary for Experienced Registered Dental Hygienists
A registered dental hygienist with over five years of experience working in the field. They have gained valuable experience and may have taken on extra duties like coaching new dental hygienists. The average income for experienced certified dental hygienists in the US is roughly $85,000 annually. Some dental hygienists make more salary as they have some advanced credentials or specialization in a particular field of oral hygiene.
Salary Levels for Registered Dental Hygienists in different States
As of May 2020, the national average hourly income for dental hygienists was $38.10, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nonetheless, RDH salaries vary greatly across the United States, depending on the state in which they work. These are some examples of RDH’s average annual earnings in several states:
California has an average annual income of $106,240 for RDHs. California has the largest amount of RDH employment in the country, and there is a high demand for dental services, which adds to the higher wage levels.
RDHs in New York earn an average annual pay of $81,960. Because New York has a huge population, dental hygienists are highly needed.
Texas has an average annual income of $72,340 for RDHs.
RDHs in Florida earn an average annual income of $65,750. Due to its large elder population and tourism economy, Florida has a high need for dental treatments.
North Carolina: RDHs in North Carolina earn an average annual income of $63,630. The major cause for higher salaries in North Carolina is its rising population and increased demand for dental services.
RDHs in Ohio earn an average annual income of $62,860. Ohio has a large population and many dental practices; thus, more dental hygienists are required.
Conclusion
Registered dental hygienist salaries vary greatly across the United States, with California having the highest average annual salary of $106,240 and Illinois having the lowest average annual salary of $61,700. Additional factors that decide registered dental hygienist income levels include education, experience, and the type of dental office they operate. Regardless of income level, certified dental hygienists are in high demand all over the United States and provide critical services for oral health.
FAQs
- Can I work as a dental hygienist after BDS?
The minimum qualification to become a dental hygienist is an Associate degree. Moreover, you’ll need a practice license, which you will get by qualifying National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
- How much does a dental hygienist make per hour?
Dental hygienists received an average salary of $39.12 per hour in 2021.
- What is the salary for a dental hygienist in California?
In 2021, dental hygienists in California earned an average income of $108,200
