8 Best States To Be A Dental Hygienist
Choosing the right state to practice as a dental hygienist can significantly impact your career satisfaction and financial stability. In this article, I’ll rank the 8 best states to be a dental hygienist, considering key factors such as hourly pay, average income, and working hours.
Read on to find out where your skills as a dental hygienist are not only in demand but also well-compensated.
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How I Picked The Best States To Be A Dental Hygienist
Understanding why I used certain ranking factors will help provide context to the list and offer an idea of what parts of the job a professional dental hygienist like myself deem the most important.
The hourly pay and average income are considered my top-ranking factors because they directly affect the financial well-being of professional dental hygienists.
In a profession that requires continuing education and in most cases student loan repayments, a higher income offers greater financial freedom and opportunities for your present and future.
The hours worked per week were also a significant consideration of mine. The required hours worked affect both work-life balance and overall job satisfaction. A state that offers flexible or part-time working hours can be an ideal location for dental hygienists who are also juggling family commitments or continuing education.
Also, a standard 35-40 hour workweek, common in several states on the list, is preferable to excessive working hours that could lead to job burnout.
Finally, things like how easy it is to find a job and how much a state has to offer in terms of overall life quality played a role as well.
These factors combined to influence the overall ranking, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of where a dental hygienist might enjoy not just good pay, but a fulfilling and balanced career.
8 Best States To Be A Dental Hygienist
1. California
- Hourly Pay: Highest in the country, averaging around $55 an hour.
- Average Income: Dental hygienists in California often earn an average annual salary of over $100,000.
- Work-Life Balance: Known for offering flexible working hours, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Why It’s Great: The Golden State not only offers top pay but also has a high demand for dental hygienists, making it easier to find a job.
2. Washington
- Hourly Pay: Close second to California, with an average pay of $48 an hour.
- Average Income: Annual salaries average around $96,000.
- Hours Worked: A standard 35-40 hour work week is common.
- Why It’s Great: Washington combines excellent pay with a reasonable cost of living, unlike California where the cost of living can be high.
3. Alaska
- Hourly Pay: On par with Washington, at around $47 an hour.
- Average Income: Similar to Washington, annual salaries average $95,000.
- Unique Opportunities: High demand in rural areas can lead to more job opportunities.
- Why It’s Great: Alaska offers unique opportunities for dental hygienists willing to work in less populated areas, including the potential for higher pay and additional benefits.
4. New York
- Hourly Pay: Averages around $40 an hour.
- Average Income: Annual salaries around $85,000.
- Hours Worked: Most dental hygienists work full-time hours.
- Why It’s Great: New York offers a high volume of job opportunities, especially in densely populated cities like New York City.
5. Nevada
- Hourly Pay: Approximately $45 an hour.
- Average Income: Roughly $90,000 annually.
- Hours Worked: Generally, a 40-hour work week.
- Why It’s Great: Nevada offers excellent pay with a lower cost of living compared to states like California and New York.
6. Massachusetts
- Hourly Pay: Averages around $43 an hour.
- Average Income: Annual salaries sit at about $88,000.
- Work-Life Balance: Part-time and flexible work schedules are commonly available.
- Why It’s Great: Massachusetts combines a high standard of living with multiple employment opportunities in both urban and suburban areas.
7. Connecticut
- Hourly Pay: About $42 an hour.
- Average Income: Around $85,000 annually.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and part-time opportunities.
- Why It’s Great: Connecticut offers a balanced work-life environment along with competitive pay.
8. Minnesota
- Hourly Pay: Approximately $38 an hour.
- Average Income: Roughly $80,000 annually.
- Work-Life Balance: Known for offering a quality work-life balance.
- Why It’s Great: Minnesota offers reasonable pay along with a high standard of living, making it an attractive option for many.
Other Opportunities for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists have the opportunity to continue their education and expand their scope of practice. These articles below may also influence your choice when deciding what the are the best states to be a dental hygienist.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Some products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
