Dental Hygienists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The median pay for a dental hygienists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $132,010/year ($63.47/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $116K at the entry level to $159K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $121,333 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 40.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $132K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About dental hygienists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level dental hygienists (10th percentile) start around $116K. Mid-career wages sit at $132K.Top earners bring in $159K or more - a $43K spread from bottom to top.
Dental Hygienists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $130K | +38% | 770 |
| District of Columbia | $128K | +36% | 330 |
| Washington | $125K | +33% | 5,140 |
| California | $121K | +28% | 22,940 |
| Oregon | $118K | +25% | 3,640 |
| Maryland | $105K | +12% | 3,780 |
| Nevada | $103K | +9% | 2,040 |
| New Jersey | $103K | +9% | 6,030 |
| Massachusetts | $101K | +7% | 6,780 |
| Delaware | $100K | +6% | 590 |
| Vermont | $99K | +6% | 520 |
| Minnesota | $99K | +5% | 4,660 |
| Virginia | $99K | +5% | 3,580 |
| Arizona | $98K | +3% | 5,040 |
| Hawaii | $97K | +3% | 1,060 |
Track dental hygienists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $132,010 a year - that works out to about $63.47 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $116,280, and experienced dental hygienists can clear $159,310. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $132K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,714/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 40.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a dental hygienists salary go in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Regional Price Parity of 108.8 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median dental hygienists salary is worth about $121,333 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do dental hygienists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.