California ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for dental hygienists pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($129,760) by $8,680 — a 7% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $56,330 to $137,460 — a $81,130 spread, 51% wider than the national $53,590 range.
California employs roughly 10.5% of all dental hygienists in the country (22,940 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $56,330 | $27.08 |
| 25th percentile | $106,480 | $51.19 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $121,080 | $58.21 |
| 75th percentile | $129,880 | $62.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $137,460 | $66.09 |
| Mean (average) | $127,090 | $61.10 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $121,080 | n/a |
| Alaska | $129,760 | +7% |
| District of Columbia | $127,900 | +6% |
| Washington | $125,370 | +4% |
| Oregon | $118,280 | -2% |
| Colorado | $106,730 | -12% |
| Maryland | $105,140 | -13% |
| Nevada | $103,160 | -15% |
| New Jersey | $102,600 | -15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $120,840 | 9,240 |
| Commercial Pilots | $122,100 | 5,530 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $122,140 | 11,900 |
| Producers and Directors | $122,150 | 35,650 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $122,520 | 11,070 |
| Occupational Therapists | $119,470 | 12,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Hygienists salary in California?
The mean dental hygienists salary in California is $127,090 per year. The median (middle) salary is $121,080 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Hygienists in California?
Entry-level dental hygienistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $56,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $106,480 per year.
What is the highest Dental Hygienists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $137,460 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $129,880 per year.
How does the California Dental Hygienists salary compare to the national average?
The median dental hygienists salary in California is $121,080, which is +28% above national average of $94,260.