SalariesDental Hygienist › California

Dental Hygienist Salary in California (2026)

$124,930 /year median

$60.06 per hour · take-home ≈ $89,114/year ($7,426/month) for a single filer

California is among the top 5 highest-paying states for Dental Hygienists (4th of 50), with a median about 25% above the national average. Of the 24,500 Dental Hygienist jobs BLS counts in California, the typical worker earns $124,930 a year — though pay ranges from $102,090 for newcomers to $151,920 at the top.

Dental Hygienist pay range in California

PercentileAnnual wageMeaning
10th percentile (entry) $102,090 Lowest-paid 10% earn less than this
25th percentile $109,730 A quarter earn less
Median (50th) $124,930 Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile $132,120 Top quarter starts here
90th percentile (top) $151,920 Highest-paid 10% earn more than this

BLS reports 24,500 Dental Hygienist jobs in California (occupation code 29-1292, “Dental Hygienists”).

Gross vs. take-home in California

A median Dental Hygienist salary of $124,930 doesn’t all reach your bank account. After federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, plus California state income tax, a single filer keeps about $89,114 — an effective tax rate of 28.7%.

Gross (median)$124,930
Federal income tax−$18,717
Social Security + Medicare−$9,557
California state income tax−$7,542
Take-home (annual)$89,114
Take-home (monthly)$7,426

Want your exact numbers — married, 401(k), different salary? Use the free California paycheck calculator on PaycheckTally.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in California?
The median Dental Hygienist salary in California is $124,930 per year ($60.06 per hour) according to the latest BLS data. The middle 50% earn between $109,730 and $132,120.
What is the take-home pay for a Dental Hygienist in California?
On the median salary of $124,930, a single filer in California takes home about $89,114 per year ($7,426 per month) after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax — an effective tax rate of 28.7%.
How many Dental Hygienist jobs are there in California?
BLS counts 24,500 Dental Hygienist jobs in California in the latest survey (May 2025).

Top-paying states for Dental Hygienists

Other salaries in California

Sources and methodology

Wage and employment figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 (state file, released April 2026) — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, the most authoritative public salary dataset. Take-home estimate: 2026 federal brackets, FICA, and verified California state tax rules (single filer, standard deduction, no credits or local taxes). Estimates only — not financial advice.

  • BLS OEWS — official occupational wage data.
  • PaycheckTally — interactive 2026 take-home calculator for California.