Dental hygienists on average earn more than dental assistants regardless of years of experience, according to DentalPost's "2023 Dental Salary Survey" annual report.
DentalPost conducted its survey between July and September 2022; nearly 15,000 dental professionals participated, including 6,933 hygienists and 2,404 assistants. The survey addresses topics including compensation, job turnover and work environment. Read more about the methodology here.
Here is the average income of dental hygienists by years of experience, according to DentalPost:
30 or more years: $73,800
20 to 29 years: $73,600
10 to 19 years: $75,360
Five to nine years: $72,800
Less than five years: $71,130
Here is the average income of dental assistants by years of experience, according to DentalPost:
30 or more years: $47,500
20 to 29 years: $44,500
10 to 19 years: $41,500
Five to nine years: $38,950
Less than five years: $33,325