The average nominal average wage for dental hygienists has increased from $18.40 in 1990 to $47.80 in 2024, according to data from the American Dental Association.
The ADA’s Health Policy Institute collected compensation data for both full-time and part-time dental hygienists from 1990, 2000, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2024.
Part-time dental hygienists historically earned slightly more per hour than full-time hygienists.
Over the past 35 years, the average hourly wage for hygienists has more than doubled.
Here is the average nominal hourly wage for dental hygienists since 1990:
1990
Full-time dental hygienists: $17.40
Part-time dental hygienists: $19.00
All dental hygienists: $18.40
2000
Full-time dental hygienists: $26.40
Part-time dental hygienists: $29.10
All dental hygienists: $28.00
2010
Full-time dental hygienists: $33.20
Part-time dental hygienists: $36.70
All dental hygienists: $35.30
2011
Full-time dental hygienists: $34.10
Part-time dental hygienists: $36.00
All dental hygienists: $35.30
2012
Full-time dental hygienists: $34.50
Part-time dental hygienists: $37.70
All dental hygienists: $36.40
2013
Full-time dental hygienists: $35.10
Part-time dental hygienists: $37.40
All dental hygienists: $36.60
2019
Full-time dental hygienists: $37.90
Part-time dental hygienists: $40.40
All dental hygienists: $39.30
2024
Full-time dental hygienists: $46.90
Part-time dental hygienists: $48.90
All dental hygienists: $47.80
