Dental Hygienist salary in San Francisco, CA
Median pay, San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland)
$146,760/year
about $70.56 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $130,200 – $154,920
Half of dental hygienists in the San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland) area earn more than $146,760 a year and half earn less. That's 50% higher than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #1 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $109,460 | $52.63 |
| 25th | $130,200 | $62.60 |
| Median (50th) | $146,760 | $70.56 |
| 75th | $154,920 | $74.48 |
| 90th (top earners) | $156,580 | $75.28 |
*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 San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland) area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $130,200 ($62.60/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $130,200 to $154,920 ($62.60 to $74.48/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $154,920 ($74.48/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, San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland). Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.