Fremont vs Sacramento: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fremont, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,040▲ | $128,593 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.06▲ | $61.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,695 | $125,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,894▲ | $128,289 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,796▲ | $132,917 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,212▲ | $133,914 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 2,200▲ |
Verdict
Fremont, CA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Fremont and Sacramento is $25,447 (19.79%). Fremont's median is +49.63% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $105,517,Sacramento spans $8,280. Fremont has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fremont ($136,198 effective) pays 12.98% more than Sacramento ($120,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,040/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,212)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,198)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fremont grew 29.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Fremont, CA
$113,340 (2020) → $146,789 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$103,220 (2020) → $122,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fremont or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Fremont to Sacramento as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fremont vs Sacramento?
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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