Bremerton vs Kennewick: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bremerton, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,513▲ | $128,531 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.11▲ | $61.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,845▲ | $105,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,429▲ | $113,881 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,873▲ | $132,655 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,606▲ | $154,083 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Bremerton, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Kennewick is $8,982 (6.99%). Bremerton's median is +33.58% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $46,761,Kennewick spans $48,723. Kennewick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bremerton ($130,212 effective) pays 1.39% more than Kennewick ($128,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,513/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,606)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,212)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bremerton grew 15.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$113,650 (2020) → $131,040 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$95,610 (2020) → $122,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bremerton or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Bremerton to Kennewick as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bremerton vs Kennewick?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov