BLS wage data · May 2025
Dental Hygienist Salary in Washington, DC
Dental hygienists in Washington, DC earn a median of $137,220 a year, or $65.97 an hour (BLS, May 2025). That's 40% more than the national median of $98,100, and ranks 1st among the 49 states and DC with May 2025 data.
Washington, DC dental hygienist pay range
Half of dental hygienists in Washington, DC earn between $104,470 and $138,710 a year. The bottom 10% earn less than $86,120, and the top 10% earn more than $155,840. BLS doesn't track starting pay, so the lower percentiles are the best guide to entry-level salary.
- 10th percentile
- $86,120
- Bottom 10% earn less
- 25th percentile
- $104,470
- Bottom 25% earn less
- Median
- $137,220
- Half earn more, half less
- 75th percentile
- $138,710
- Top 25% earn more
- 90th percentile
- $155,840
- Top 10% earn more
- Median annual
- $137,220
- $65.97 an hour
- Average (mean)
- $127,910
- $61.50 an hour
- vs US median
- +40%
- US: $98,100
- Pay rank
- 1st
- of 50 with May 2025 data
How Washington, DC compares with nearby states
Washington, DC pays more than nearby Maryland ($107,830) and Virginia ($102,950).
| State | Median / year | vs US | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $137,220 | +40% | 1st |
| Maryland | $107,830 | +10% | 8th |
| Virginia | $102,950 | +5% | 12th |
Median pay, BLS OEWS. Rank 1 = highest median pay among the 49 states and DC with May 2025 data. See all states.
Dental hygienist jobs in Washington, DC
- Employed
- 320
- Fewest of 50 with May 2025 data
- Per 1,000 jobs
- 0.5
- Of all jobs in Washington, DC
- Location quotient
- 0.31
- 1.00 = US average
About 0.5 of every 1,000 jobs in Washington, DC are dental hygienist jobs.
For the size of its workforce, Washington, DC has about 69% fewer dental hygienist jobs than the US average (location quotient 0.31; 1.00 = the national average).
Many dental hygienists work part time, and some work for more than one dentist (BLS). Temping is another way to pick up shifts: see how temp and PRN work pays.
Schools, license, and CE in Washington, DC
- Schools
Dental hygiene schools in Washington, DC
No dental hygiene programs are listed in Washington, DC. See programs in nearby states.
Compare programs - License
How to become a dental hygienist in Washington, DC
Exams, application steps, and board links for licensure in Washington, DC.
See license steps - CE
Washington, DC CE requirements
20 hours every 2 years. See required topics and renewal rules.
See CE rules
Washington, DC dental hygienist salary FAQ
How much do dental hygienists make in Washington, DC?
Dental hygienists in Washington, DC earn a median of $137,220 a year ($65.97 an hour), according to BLS data for May 2025. The average (mean) is $127,910. That's 40% more than the national median of $98,100.
How much do dental hygienists make an hour in Washington, DC?
The median hourly wage in Washington, DC is $65.97 and the mean is $61.50 (BLS, May 2025). Nationally, the May 2025 median is $47.16 an hour.
What is the starting salary for dental hygienists in Washington, DC?
BLS doesn't publish starting salaries. The closest guide is the low end of the range: in Washington, DC, 10% of dental hygienists earn less than $86,120 a year and 25% earn less than $104,470.
How does Washington, DC rank for dental hygienist pay?
By median pay, Washington, DC ranks 1st among the 49 states and DC with May 2025 data (+40% vs the US median). Washington, DC pays more than nearby Maryland ($107,830) and Virginia ($102,950). See every state
How many dental hygienists work in Washington, DC?
About 320 dental hygienists work in Washington, DC (BLS, May 2025). That's the fewest of the 49 states and DC with May 2025 data. About 0.5 of every 1,000 jobs in Washington, DC are dental hygienist jobs.
How do I become a dental hygienist in Washington, DC?
To become a dental hygienist in Washington, DC, you graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program, pass the NBDHE and the ADEX clinical exam, and apply to the DC Board of Dentistry. See the full steps, exams accepted, and board links. Washington, DC license steps
Sources and method
- BLS OEWS: Washington, DC, May 2025. All occupations for the state; Dental Hygienists is SOC 29-1292
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). National and state estimates, May 2025
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Hygienists. Licensing and work schedule facts
- Data retrieved September 28, 2026. BLS publishes new wage estimates once a year.
- Annual pay is hourly pay times 2,080 hours. Employment excludes self-employed workers and is rounded by BLS.
- Rank and “vs US” are computed from BLS medians; percentages are rounded to the nearest whole percent. Ranks cover the 49 states and DC with May 2025 data.
Jobs in BrushNotes
Find dental hygienist jobs in Washington, DC
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