Years of experience have a larger impact on hourly wages for dental assistants than dental hygienists, according to Dentalpost's Dental Salary Survey for 2024.
The report surveyed more than 1,900 dental hygienists and dental assistants from July to September 2023.
The average hourly rates for dental hygienists based on years of experience varied by less than $2 an hour, while it varied by more than $7 per hour for dental assistants.
Here is the average hourly wage for dental hygienists and assistants based on their experience level:
Less than four years of experience
Dental hygienists: $45.16 per hour
Dental assistants: $20.14 per hour
Four to six years of experience
Dental hygienists: $45.84 per hour
Dental assistants: $23.16 per hour
Six to nine years of experience
Dental hygienists: $45.33 per hour
Dental assistants: $23.75 per hour
Nine to 14 years of experience
Dental hygienists: $46.19 per hour
Dental assistants: $24.47 per hour
Fourteen to 19 years of experience
Dental hygienists: $46.32 per hour
Dental assistants: $25.75 per hour
Nineteen to 25 years of experience
Dental hygienists: $45.48 per hour
Dental assistants: $26.79 per hour
More than 25 years of experience
Dental hygienists: $45.51 per hour
Dental assistants: $27.37 per hour