Dental Hygienist Salary in California
Dental Hygienists in California earn an average of $105,568 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$105,568
per year
Hourly Rate
$50.75
per hour
vs National
+16.0%
$91,010 national
Salary Range
$69,377
to $150,637
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$105,568
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$74,344
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Dental Hygienist's salary of $105,568 has the purchasing power of $74,344 in an average-cost area.
Dental Hygienist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $127,572 | $61.33/hr | $80,682 | $182,582 | 228 |
| San Francisco, CA | $119,452 | $57.43/hr | $78,935 | $167,163 | 228 |
| San Diego, CA | $101,131 | $48.62/hr | $65,085 | $146,193 | 173 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $98,952 | $47.57/hr | $66,413 | $138,299 | 290 |
| Sacramento, CA | $96,939 | $46.61/hr | $65,512 | $143,891 | 171 |
| Riverside, CA | $89,364 | $42.96/hr | $59,635 | $125,694 | 154 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Dental Hygienist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,244 Dental Hygienists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Dental Hygienist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$69,377
Starting salary for new Dental Hygienists
Median (50th Percentile)
$105,568
Mid-career Dental Hygienist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$150,637
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Pharmacist
$158,458
avg in CA
+$52,890 vs Dental Hygienist
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$42,148 vs Dental Hygienist
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$4,021 vs Dental Hygienist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$34,947 vs Dental Hygienist
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$61,418 vs Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Hygienist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in California?
The average Dental Hygienist salary in California is $105,568 per year ($50.75/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.0% above the national average of $91,010.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Hygienists in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Dental Hygienists in California, with a median salary of $127,572 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $89,364.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in California?
Dental Hygienist salaries in California range from $69,377 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $150,637 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $105,568 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.