Green Bay vs La Crosse: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Green Bay, WI and La Crosse, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | La Crosse, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,461 | $100,690▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.37 | $48.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,687 | $84,833▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,677 | $96,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,853 | $102,757▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,041 | $104,930▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 150 |
Verdict
La Crosse, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Green Bay and La Crosse is $4,229 (4.38%). La Crosse's median is -2.19% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $18,354,La Crosse spans $20,097. La Crosse 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, La Crosse ($109,721 effective) pays 5.88% more than Green Bay ($103,626 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,930)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,721)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Green Bay grew 37.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in La Crosse over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$67,050 (2020) → $91,920 (2025)
La Crosse, WI
$71,840 (2020) → $95,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
La Crosse, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Green Bay or La Crosse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Green Bay and La Crosse?
Should I relocate from Green Bay to La Crosse as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Green Bay vs La Crosse?
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