Dental Hygienist Salary in Renton, WA: $132,393 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Renton, WA earns a median $132,393/year (≈ $63.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Renton's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $123,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Renton, Washington, dental hygienists can expect a competitive median annual salary of $132,393 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national average of $102,946. The local salary range spans from $97,671 at the 10th percentile to $167,585 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a robust earning potential. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS projections, takes into account local market conditions and regional cost adjustments, providing insight into the compensation landscape for dental hygienists. With only 27 professionals currently employed in the area, Renton's job market for dental hygienists appears stable, suggesting room for growth within the industry.
About the Renton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,671 | $46.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,628 | $52.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,393 | $63.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,337 | $69.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,585 | $80.57 |
Median Salary Position
28.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Renton
In Renton, WA, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,914 (2026 est.). At $132,393, the local median is 28.6% above the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Renton: You'd be above the median
How Renton Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Renton median: $132,393/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Renton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $129,038 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $102,946 | +28.60% more |
Dental Hygienists in Renton, WA earn a median of $132,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.60% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $129,038.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Renton has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Renton, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,393 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,271 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$100,924
2025 BLS Actual
$126,161
2026 Current Est.
$132,393
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Renton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $100,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,696 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,022 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,393 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,934 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Renton metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 25.0% from $100,924 (2020) to $126,161 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,934 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,010 (37.66%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Renton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $97,671 – $109,628 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,628 – $132,393 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,393 – $145,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,337 – $167,585 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Renton
When examining dental hygienist pay in Renton, WA, it’s essential to consider the local cost of living index, which stands at 107.4. This figure indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, potentially influencing overall take-home pay. Employers such as dental service organizations (DSOs) often offer higher salaries compared to solo practices or public health clinics due to production-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits packages. The disparity in wages is driven by factors such as schedules, with full-time hours typically yielding higher returns. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider joining a DSO or seeking positions that offer production incentives and comprehensive benefits, enhancing both immediate compensation and long-term financial stability. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring and current dental hygienists strategize effectively in their career paths.
More salary data for Renton, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $126,161 for dental hygienistsin the Renton metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Renton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov