How dental hygienist pay compares to NP, PA and CRNA earnings

Dental hygienists have an average annual salary of $89,890, compared to $128,490 for nurse practitioners, $130,490 for physician assistants and $214,200 for nurse anesthetists, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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The agency updated salary data April 3 to reflect May 2023 figures. 

Here is how compensation data stacks up for the four professions:

Mean annual wage

Dental hygienists: $89,890

NPs: $128,490

PAs: $130,490

CRNAs: $214,200

Mean hourly wage

Dental hygienists: $43.21

NPs: $61.78

PAs: $62.74

CRNAs: $102.98

Highest-paying practice setting

Dental hygienists: Employment services

NPs: Business support services

PAs: Employment services

CRNAs: Outpatient care centers

Highest-earning state

Dental hygienists: Washington

NPs: California

PAs: Nevada

CRNAs: Illinois

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