Dental Hygienist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $129,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Long Beach, CA earns a median $129,483/year (≈ $62.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Long Beach, California can expect a median annual salary of $129,483, translating to a notable hourly rate of $62.25. This figure not only reflects a strong local demand for these professionals but also exceeds the national median of $102,946 by approximately 25.78%. The salary range for dental hygienists in Long Beach is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $90,301, while experienced hygienists can earn as much as $178,881. These salary estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, considering regional economic conditions to paint a comprehensive picture of compensation in this area. Given the active job market, there are ample opportunities for certified professionals, making Long Beach a competitive place for dental hygiene careers.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,301 | $43.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,340 | $53.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,483 | $62.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,165 | $72.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,881 | $86.00 |
Median Salary Position
25.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,580 (2026 est.). At $129,483, the local median is 25.78% above the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $129,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,873 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | +25.78% more |
Dental Hygienists in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $129,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.78% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% below the California state average of $129,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,483 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,485 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$115,901
2025 BLS Actual
$123,388
2026 Current Est.
$129,483
2020–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Long Beach (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $115,901 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,305 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,906 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,880 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 6.5% from $115,901 (2020) to $123,388 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,880 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,979 (17.24%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $90,301 – $111,340 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,340 – $129,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,483 – $150,165 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,165 – $178,881 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Long Beach
With 89 dental hygienists currently employed in Long Beach, the local job market demonstrates a solid demand for these professionals, particularly in a city with a cost-of-living index set at 113.1. This index indicates that while salaries may appear generous, the purchasing power of dental hygienists might not stretch as far as it would in lower-cost areas. Here, salaries vary significantly depending on the type of practice. Those working in Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) tend to receive the highest compensation packages, often including sign-on bonuses and comprehensive benefits, which are more rare in solo practices or small group settings. Additionally, production-based incentives tied to patient retention can further widen the salary gaps among different employers. To maximize earnings, dental hygienists should consider opportunities within DSOs and explore arrangements for compressed work schedules, like four-day workweeks, which are increasingly becoming a favored option in the field.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental hygienists make $100K in Long Beach?
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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 $123,388 for dental hygienistsin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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