From the highest earning states to the percent of workforce reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are eight statistics about dental hygienists to know:
1. Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow by 11 percent through 2030, with an additional 23,100 jobs being added to the market.
2. California had the highest number of employed dental hygienists in 2021, while Idaho had the highest concentration of hygienists per 1,000 jobs.
3. COVID-19 exacerbated a voluntary reduction in the workforce by 3,300 dental hygienists, or 1.6 percent, as of August 2021. Less than half of those who left employment early in the pandemic had returned to the workforce by August 2021.
4. Dental hygienists have remained among the most recruited for roles at dental offices during the pandemic. According to a March poll, 33.1 percent of dental practices were recruiting dental hygienists.
5. Dental hygienists earned an average of $77,810 per year in 2021.
6. Community relief services and facilities support services are among the top paying industries for dental hygienists.
7. The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara area in California is the top paying metropolitan area for dental hygienists at $125,750.
8. Alaska is the state where dental hygienists earn the most, with the average annual salary being $115,510. Hygienists in Alabama earn the least, with an average annual salary of $51,130.