Dental Hygienist salary in St. Louis, MO
Median pay, St. Louis metro
$97,650/year
about $46.95 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $83,430 – $98,820
Half of dental hygienists in the St. Louis metro area earn more than $97,650 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $98,100, and ranks #24 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $78,760 | $37.87 |
| 25th | $83,430 | $40.11 |
| Median (50th) | $97,650 | $46.95 |
| 75th | $98,820 | $47.51 |
| 90th (top earners) | $99,400 | $47.79 |
*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 St. Louis metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $83,430 ($40.11/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $83,430 to $98,820 ($40.11 to $47.51/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $98,820 ($47.51/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, St. Louis metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.