Kennewick vs Mount Vernon: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Mount Vernon, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Mount Vernon, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,531 | $133,767▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.79 | $64.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,360 | $107,595▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,881 | $125,760▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,655 | $135,834▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,083 | $158,071▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Mount Vernon, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Mount Vernon is $5,236 (4.07%). Mount Vernon's median is +29.94% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $48,723,Mount Vernon spans $50,476. Mount Vernon 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, Mount Vernon ($130,577 effective) pays 1.67% 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 Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,767/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,071)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,577)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Kennewick grew 28.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Mount Vernon over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$95,610 (2020) → $122,480 (2025)
Mount Vernon, WA
$98,460 (2020) → $127,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Mount Vernon, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Kennewick or Mount Vernon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Mount Vernon?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Mount Vernon as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Kennewick vs Mount Vernon?
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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