Average salary, compensation, and wages for Dental hygienists in the United StatesMedian hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $26.59 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $21.96 and $32.48 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17.34, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39.24 an hour. Earnings vary by geographic location, employment setting, and years of experience. Dental hygienists may be paid on an hourly, daily, salary, or commission basis. Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to the American Dental Association, almost all full-time dental hygienists employed by private practitioners received paid vacation. The ADA also found that 9 out of 10 full-time and part-time dental hygienists received dental coverage. Dental hygienists who work for school systems, public health agencies, the Federal Government, or State agencies usually have substantial benefits. More information on Dental hygienists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Dental hygienists occupation Number of Dental hygienists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Dental hygienists Working conditions for Dental hygienists Significant points for Dental hygienists Training requirements for Dental hygienists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |