How to become dental hygienistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$98,100
25th–75th pct. $83,570–$108,480
Top pay (est.)
$163,900
Top 10% $126,050
Pay in 5 years
$116,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$137,200est.
$118,000–$159,300
Outlook score
68/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
22%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+8.0%
15K openings / yr
How to become dental hygienists
Typical education
Associate's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Dental Hygienists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsAssisting and Caring for OthersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsHandling and Moving ObjectsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Important abilities
Near VisionProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionFinger Dexterity
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as dental hygienists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.