Dental Hygienist salary in Los Angeles, CA
Median pay, Los Angeles metro
$122,980/year
about $59.13 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $107,570 – $130,570
Half of dental hygienists in the Los Angeles metro area earn more than $122,980 a year and half earn less. That's 25% higher than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $56,800 | $27.31 |
| 25th | $107,570 | $51.72 |
| Median (50th) | $122,980 | $59.13 |
| 75th | $130,570 | $62.77 |
| 90th (top earners) | $137,310 | $66.01 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a dental hygienist job in the Los Angeles metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $107,570 ($51.72/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $107,570 to $130,570 ($51.72 to $62.77/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $130,570 ($62.77/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Many hygienists work part-time or across several offices, so compare hourly rates, not just yearly totals.
- Ask how long each appointment slot is. Short slots mean a faster, harder day for the same pay.
- Check whether you're paid for days the office closes or patients cancel.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Los Angeles metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.