Lexington vs Paducah: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,067▲ | $83,543 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.41▲ | $40.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,288 | $63,625▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,525▲ | $79,146 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,842 | $96,702▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,571 | $102,212▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $524 (0.63%). Lexington's median is -18.34% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $41,283,Paducah spans $38,587. Lexington 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, Paducah ($97,048 effective) pays 7.23% more than Lexington ($90,503 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,067/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,212)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,048)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Lexington grew 28.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$62,550 (2020) → $80,110 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$60,168 (2020) → $79,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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