Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025

Dental Hygienist Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria

The median dental hygienist earns $119,170 a year in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro, with the middle half between $103,340 and $125,560.[1]

25th percentile

$103,340

Lower end of the middle half

Median

$119,170

Half earn more, half earn less

75th percentile

$125,560

Upper end of the middle half

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria runs about 16% higher than the Virginia median and ranks 1st of 11 Virginia metros. It is about 21% higher than the national median.

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria pay range vs. Virginia and the U.S.

Dental Hygienist annual wages: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria vs. Virginia vs. U.S. (BLS OEWS, May 2025)
PercentileMetro annualVirginia annualU.S. annual
10th percentile$94,290$86,730$74,880
25th percentile$103,340$97,630$83,570
Median$119,170$102,950$98,100
75th percentile$125,560$119,690$108,480
90th percentile$132,000$125,560$126,050
Mean (average)$115,250$105,120$98,990

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.[2] Gross wages for employees; excludes the self-employed. Comparisons in this page are DSO Hire calculations and are not adjusted for cost of living.

Employed in metro

2,200

About 58% of Virginia's total (calculation)

Per 1,000 jobs

0.70

Virginia: 0.92

Location quotient

0.49

1.00 = U.S. average; less concentrated than the national average

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Dental Hygienist salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria: FAQ

How much do dental hygienists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?

The median dental hygienist salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area is $119,170, with the middle half earning between $103,340 and $125,560 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $94,290 at the 10th percentile to $132,000 at the 90th.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria higher or lower than the rest of Virginia?

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria runs about 16% higher than the Virginia state median for dental hygienists. It ranks 1st of 11 Virginia metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)

How does Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare nationally?

Dental Hygienist pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is about 21% higher than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)

How many dental hygienists work in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?

BLS estimates 2,200 dental hygienists were employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 0.49, so the role is less concentrated than the national average.