Dental Hygienist salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$133,740/year
about $64.30 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $132,850 – $160,190
Half of dental hygienists in the Seattle metro area earn more than $133,740 a year and half earn less. That's 36% higher than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #3 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $127,620 | $61.36 |
| 25th | $132,850 | $63.87 |
| Median (50th) | $133,740 | $64.30 |
| 75th | $160,190 | $77.01 |
| 90th (top earners) | $162,850 | $78.29 |
*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 Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $132,850 ($63.87/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $132,850 to $160,190 ($63.87 to $77.01/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $160,190 ($77.01/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, Seattle metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.