Dental Hygienist salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Median pay, Pittsburgh metro
$75,960/year
about $36.52 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $75,510 – $79,200
Half of dental hygienists in the Pittsburgh metro area earn more than $75,960 a year and half earn less. That's 23% lower than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #30 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,790 | $30.67 |
| 25th | $75,510 | $36.30 |
| Median (50th) | $75,960 | $36.52 |
| 75th | $79,200 | $38.08 |
| 90th (top earners) | $80,710 | $38.80 |
*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 Pittsburgh metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $75,510 ($36.30/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $75,510 to $79,200 ($36.30 to $38.08/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $79,200 ($38.08/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, Pittsburgh metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.