Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Dental hygienists check patients for oral diseases, provide preventive care and teach patients about oral health.
U.S. median pay
$47.16/hr
$98,100/yr
Projected growth
+8%
2025–35
Openings per year
15,000
average, 2025–35
Typical education
Associate's degree
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
How people get started
Typically an associate's degree in dental hygiene. BLS says programs usually take 3 years. BLS: How to become one
Licensing in one line
Every state requires a license. Most require a degree from an accredited program plus written and clinical exams.
The dental career ladder
- Dental AssistantOften about 1 year
- Expanded-function / registered DAWhere your state allows it
- Dental HygienistAssociate's degree + exams
Pay
What dental hygienists earn
U.S. median hourly pay · BLS May 2025
$47.16
an hour · $98,100 a year
- 10th
- $36.00
- 25th
- $40.18
- Median
- $47.16
- 75th
- $52.16
- 90th
- $60.60
Hourly pay range: 10th percentile $36.00/hr, median $47.16/hr, 90th percentile $60.60/hr.
Schools
Programs that lead here
Licensing
Licensing and verification
Every state requires a license. Most require a degree from an accredited program plus written and clinical exams.
“All states require dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state.” BLS
California
Full California guide: boards, lookups and key requirements. California RDH licensing
Clinical rotations
For students
Work as an RDH with SHIFTit
Choose shifts that fit your life. Your credentials are verified once and travel with you to every facility on the platform.
Related careers and comparisons
Sources
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: dental hygienists, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 (SOC 29-1292), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.