Top U.S. Cities for Dental Hygienist Job Demand

Key Takeaways

• Location is a valuable factor to consider when looking for a job as a dental hygienist, as it will influence demand for professionals, available job opportunities, and salary.

• Some of the top cities for job demand for dental hygienists include Phoenix, Portland, Baltimore, Orlando, Seattle, and more.

• When considering your ideal job market, weigh factors like annual mean wage, job openings and opportunities, cost-of-living, and lifestyle opportunities.

• Toothio’s platform helps skilled dental hygienists find fulfilling work opportunities in their preferred market, serving 11 locations across the country.

Why Location Matters for Dental Hygienist Careers

In general, dental hygienists have a strong career outlook nationwide, with a projected 9% growth between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than average compared to other career fields. However, job location can determine a lot about a dental hygienist’s career potential and mobility. Location influences important factors, like salary and, of course, demand for hygienists.

A high demand for hygienists often means a greater earning potential and more available opportunities. Meanwhile, demographic factors in a location, like population growth and population aging, drive the need for hygienists. Then, of course, choosing the right place to work also means enjoying your life outside of work, in a market that has fun and fulfilling things to do.

Ultimately, the best places to work as a dental hygienist have a reasonable average salary, a high job demand, and opportunities for enjoyment outside of work. This guide lays out the top U.S. cities for dental hygienist job availability.

Determining High Demand for Dental Hygienists

High demand for dental hygienists can be measured in various ways. The following metrics may all demonstrate a high demand for hygienists.

• Employment per thousand jobs – This number highlights how many jobs are dental hygienist positions out of 1,000 total positions in the area.
• Location quotient – A metric created by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) used to measure the concentration of jobs in the area compared to the national average. A value greater than 1 means that the demand for this job is higher than average compared to other cities.
• Annual mean wage – The annual mean wage represents the average earnings of all hygienists in a given area, encompassing both the lowest and highest earners.

These metrics are all important to consider when weighing the most demanding markets and what kind of jobs to look for. They also play an important part in the rankings of the top cities below.

Dental Hygienist Demand & Opportunities by City

Although the demand for dental hygienists is growing generally nationwide, there are a few cities that stand out above the rest as potential destinations. These markets demonstrate an ideal balance of abundant job opportunities, a healthy salary, and enjoyable activities.

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix has experienced considerable population growth over the past few decades. With this population growth comes a greater need for dental hygienists to ensure all these newcomers receive the appropriate dental care. Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs have long been considered a prime retirement destination, which means there is a significant portion of the population in need of dental care at an elderly age.

Considering these factors, the Phoenix area has a location quotient of 1.14, indicating a higher prevalence in the market compared to others. Given a mean annual wage of $93,120, the market also offers a favorable earning potential.

Despite the hot summers, there is also plenty to do in Phoenix, with abundant golf courses, nearby hiking opportunities in lovely desert scenery, and plenty of enticing local shops. Altogether, the Valley of the Sun is an enjoyable place to both live and work.

Portland, OR

Featuring a location quotient of 1.12 according to the BLS, Portland demonstrates a slightly above-average concentration for hygienists compared to markets nationwide. With a 1.55 employment per thousand measure, there is a high number of hygienist positions, which means plenty of opportunities for shift-based and permanent positions alike in cases of turnover or callouts.

Dental hygienists in Portland make about $109,810 on average, putting them among the top earners in the country, significantly above the national average of $89,890. This higher salary helps offset the higher cost of living in the area.

Outside of the daily work routine, Portland offers a ton of ways to stay busy, including abundant parks, gardens, museums, cafes, bookstores, and nearby hiking opportunities. You’ll be able to find something new to explore almost every weekend; just be sure to bring your umbrella.

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore isn’t growing as fast as other places, but it has started to slightly increase in population, which does open the door for more opportunities. Employment of 1.22 per thousand jobs for hygienists means there is a high-concentration of hygienist opportunities in the area, especially when considering turnover or shift-based opportunities. The area has $99,280 mean annual wage for hygienists, which is well-above the national average.

Plus, located in the heart of the East Coast, Baltimore offers the opportunity to travel as you please. Because Baltimore is such a short commute from so many other locations, it opens up the door to travel to several other markets to pick up temporary or shift-based opportunities, as long as you have the right state licensure requirements.

Known for its excellent food and historic neighborhoods, Baltimore is a great place to explore outside of the workday, too. Or take advantage of the prime location to take a train trip up to New York one weekend and cross the border into the nation’s capital the next.

Orlando, FL

Florida is well-known as a retirement destination, meaning there are many individuals in need of quality dental care as they age. Such a population trend makes Orlando a great place for dental hygienists, who will be necessary for meeting a consistent patient demand.

The annual mean salary for hygienists in Orlando is $79,380, which is a bit lower than the other cities on this list. However, the cost of living in Orlando is also lower than the national average by about 4%, offering the right amount of balance.

If you’re the type to hate winters, then Orlando is likely to be right up your alley with sun year-round. Family-friendly attractions like Disney as well as a bustling arts and nightlife scene mean opportunities for anyone to stay engaged outside of work.

Seattle, WA

Seattle has an ongoing demand for dental hygienists. The Seattle metropolitan area has a location quotient of 1.38, demonstrating a well-above-average need for dental hygienists. With a 1.93 employment per thousand jobs, dental hygienist positions are an important role in the area.

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellvue area’s annual mean wage of $130,460 is the fourth-highest in the nation for dental hygienists. This wage is considered more than enough to offset the higher cost of living in Seattle and live comfortably in the area. Washington is the top-paying state for dental hygienists, so picking up shifts in Seattle and the surrounding areas is likely to make you a solid living, and you won’t even have to pay a state income tax on it.

Seattle is also a desirable place to live in general. With friendly people, strong public transportation, walkability, and beautiful landscapes to hike through around the city. It also offers mild and relatively comfortable summers, as long as you don’t mind rain the rest of the year.

Chicago, IL

The Chicago metropolitan area has a location quotient of 0.88, which is considered respectable. However, the surrounding areas boast even higher location quotients, like 1.59 in Rockford, 1.38 in Northwest Illinois, 1.26 in Kankakee, and 2.70 in East Central Illinois. All together, there are plenty of job opportunities to fill, and with a mean average wage of $86,280, they’re likely to be worth it as well.

Chicago is also a city with plenty to do outside of work. With several world-class museums to explore, dozens of great parks, multiple sports teams, activities along the Riverwalk, and more—there’s something to do every weekend. You’ll also be able to enjoy plenty of Chicago-style pizza and Chicago dogs, so long as you don’t forget to floss.

Austin, TX

Austin has been an up-and-coming city for several years, with a bustling population growth of around 2% yearly over the past 10 years. This rapid population growth calls for a need for dental hygienists to meet the increasing demand for quality dental care, as the concentration of hygienists is lower in Austin at only a 0.85 employment per thousand.

Hygienists in the area earn an annual mean salary of $92,080, just above the national average. Austin is known for a higher cost of living, but the city is enjoyable for many as well.

The area also offers a great opportunity for work-life balance, with plenty of activities and exploration to engage in outside of the practice. Defined by a vibrant arts and music scene, a spread of charming local coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, you’ll be likely to have a buzzing social life outside of work.

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is an ever-growing oasis in the desert, with an electric population growth of 5.4% in just the past five years. This growing population brings along a consistent need for dental hygienists in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas like Henderson.

Nevada has no state income tax, allowing you to keep the majority of your paycheck for yourself. Las Vegas also has a lower cost of living compared to other parts of the country, so with an annual mean wage of $85,420 for hygienists in the area, you’re likely to reap the full benefits of your pay.

When you’re not working, there are plenty of great ways to unwind, even outside of the excitement of the shows and dining on the infamous Vegas Strip. With tons of outdoor recreation nearby, you can enjoy hiking in the nearby mountains or around the lake, or drive a few hours to a nearby national park.

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

The Dallas-Fort Worth area no longer leads the U.S. in population gain, but it is still in the top three amongst metropolitan areas in the country. For an important service like dental hygiene, consistent population growth means consistent demand. The DFW area has a significant number of dental hygienists, but it has a far lower concentration of hygienists compared to other metropolitan areas, which could be a signal of the need for more skilled professionals in the area.

A mean annual wage of $89,570 for hygienists in the area puts Dallas right around the national average, but the highest earners can earn upwards of six figures. Dallas also has a lower cost of living compared to other large metropolitan areas, making the average wage more reasonable than other markets.

Dallas also offers plenty to do. With several sports teams in the area, you can always catch a game on a weekend away from the practice. Or if that’s not up your alley, maybe you’ll enjoy taking a stroll through the botanical garden or another one of the many parks or museums.

New Jersey

New Jersey and the tri-state area is one of the most populous metropolitan regions in the country—in other words, there are a lot of teeth to clean. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area has the highest employment level of dental hygienists of any market in the United States.

Close to New York but outside of the excess hustle of the city, you can enjoy a nice balance of lifestyle while working in Jersey. Stay in the suburbs and only venture into the city as you please. You also avoid the higher cost of living found in New York. An annual mean wage of $93,200 can help you compete with the higher-than-nationwide-average cost of living.

Los Angeles, CA

One of the most densely populated cities in the country, it makes sense that the need for dental hygienists in Los Angeles is consistently high. Los Angeles currently has the second-highest number of dental hygienists in the country, behind the New York Metropolitan area. With any amount of turnover, filling these roles is going to be necessary.

The market is also one of the highest paying in the country. Although Los Angeles is notorious for a high cost of living, an annual mean wage of $112,400 for dental hygienists makes it more reasonable. The size of the Los Angeles area also means many opportunities to pick up shifts in the various surrounding municipalities.

If you can overlook the traffic, the benefits of living in Los Angeles often speak for themselves. Enjoy a short trip to the beach, hang out at one of the many top restaurants or bars, or take a hike in the nearby mountains any weekend you want, all with incredible weather and temperatures year-round.

Key Factors Behind High Job Demand

The formula for high job demand is driven by a few key factors. Of course, the most significant factor is the number of patients—the greater the number of people in need of dental work, the greater the number of dental hygienists. This number becomes greater when you consider additional influences like the age of the area’s population and the staffing models used by practices in the area.

Altogether, high job demand is influenced by factors:

• Population size and growth trends
• Aging residents in need of preventive and therapeutic services
• High turnover or shift-based staffing models

Markets with a large population or with significant population growth are going to have a greater need for hygienists to meet their dental hygiene needs. If there is a high turnover of hygienists in a market or a significant number of practices relying on shift-based staffing models, then hygienists are going to be needed to fill these roles as they open.

How to Choose Your Target Market

As with any job, consider multiple factors before selecting your ideal target market. When choosing your target market, you should lay out all the pros and cons across the board, from whether your position will pay the bills to your chances of finding the right role.

If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, you should do the following:

• Compare salary levels across metros
• Assess the competition vs demand ratio
• Factor in the cost of living of each location and your lifestyle preferences in comparison to wages

Once you consider the financial logistics of the target market, consider your own happiness. Think about the climate of the area, the available activities, how easy or difficult it is to commute, and how your lifestyle may align overall.

Leveraging Toothio in High‑Demand Areas

With a high demand for dental hygienists in many markets, finding work as a dental hygienist isn’t hard. However, finding the right shift at the right practice is easier said than done. Toothio makes finding quality, fulfilling job opportunities in high-demand areas easy.

With our innovative staffing model, you can work on your terms and choose shifts that fit your ideal schedule. Plus, you have an on-call support team there to respond to questions and help you resolve issues with shifts so that you’re never on your own. Once you prove your qualifications and are approved by our team, our platform makes it easy for you to pick up available shifts in practices as they are posted.

Toothio is connected with dental practices across all 11 markets above, allowing you to pick up flexible and temporary positions to build your skillset, gain experience, and establish your local reputation. When you find a practice that enjoys working with you, you even have the opportunity to transition to permanent positions.

Prepare for a Dental Hygienist Job in Your Preferred Market

Once you decide which market is right for you and your career, you can begin taking the steps to transition into the area. Be sure to start by checking the job listings in the area. Then, research licensure reciprocity and regional certifications to see what additional dental hygienist requirements may be necessary to get licensed to practice in your target market.

Once you’re ready to get to work supporting patients, Toothio makes it easy to connect with fulfilling work opportunities in reputable dental practices in your preferred market. Our one-of-a-kind staffing model allows dental professionals to connect with exciting work opportunities completely on their terms and at their preferred rates.

Sign up with Toothio and start exploring job openings in your city of choice.