Dental Hygienists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Dental Hygienists out-earn Registered Nurses by $550 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Dental Hygienists land at $98,100 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: dental hygienist programs typically require associate's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Dental Hygienists is District of Columbia ($137,220); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Dental Hygienists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Dental Hygienists or Registered Nurses?
Dental Hygienists earn more nationally. The median is $98,100 for Dental Hygienists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $550. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Dental Hygienists or Registered Nurses?
Dental Hygienists has the better 10-year outlook at 7% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Dental Hygienists or Registered Nurses?
Dental Hygienists typically requires associate's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Dental Hygienists get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Dental Hygienists at $137,220/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Dental Hygienists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Dental Hygienists earn $137,220 vs. $102,540 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.