Bear vs Wilmington: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bear, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,332 | $107,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.24 | $51.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,919 | $81,166▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,980 | $90,135▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,145 | $117,108▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,705 | $133,782▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Wilmington is $7,276 (7.25%). Wilmington's median is +4.53% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $36,786,Wilmington spans $52,616. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($105,809 effective) pays 7.25% more than Bear ($98,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,782)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,809)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bear grew 39.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 42.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Bear, DE
$68,376 (2020) → $95,609 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$71,843 (2020) → $102,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bear or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Bear to Wilmington as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bear vs Wilmington?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov