Dental Hygienist salary in California
Dental hygienists in California earn a median $124,930 a year, 27% above the national median of $98,100. That ranks #4 of 50 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $87,658.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-1292. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $124,930 | $10,411 | $4,805 | $60.06 |
| Average pay | $128,110 | $10,676 | $4,927 | $61.59 |
| Take-home (median) | $87,658 | $7,305 | $3,371 | $42.14 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $18,717 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $9,557 |
| California income tax and state programs | $8,998 |
| Take-home | $87,658 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $79,171 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median dental hygienist earns 3.6 times that.
Dental Hygienist pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $124,930 | $87,658 | $79,171 |
| Arizona | $101,010 | $77,768 | $77,245 |
| Nevada | $115,290 | $89,937 | $89,955 |
| Oregon | $122,080 | $84,001 | $81,269 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do dental hygienists make in California?
- The median salary is $124,930 a year ($60.06 an hour), and the average is $128,110, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do dental hygienists take home in California?
- About $87,658 a year after federal and California taxes, or $3,371 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do dental hygienists earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #4 of 50 for median pay, 27% above the U.S. median of $98,100. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #10.