Dental Hygienist Salary in Providence, RI: $93,722 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Providence, RI earns a median $93,722/year (≈ $45.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Providence's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.8), that paycheck buys what $92,089 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% below the Rhode Island state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Providence, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $93,722, which is approximately 8.96% lower than the national average of $102,946. This salary reflects a range from $87,247 at the lower end to $109,431 at the higher end, illuminating the potential earnings of professionals in this field. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and underscore the relatively competitive nature of dental hygienist pay against the city's cost of living index of 101.773. Although the nominal salaries may seem appealing, the real purchasing power of these wages must be considered in light of local living costs, which can significantly influence disposable income for residents engaged in this profession.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,247 | $41.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,181 | $42.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,722 | $45.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,568 | $49.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,431 | $52.62 |
Median Salary Position
8.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Providence
In Providence, RI, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,184 (2026 est.). At $93,722, the local median is 8.96% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Providence Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Providence median: $93,722/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $103,446 | -9.40% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -8.96% less |
Dental Hygienists in Providence, RI earn a median of $93,722 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 9.40% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,446.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Providence has a cost of living 1.77% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 101.773 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $93,722 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,089 — a 1.74% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$76,240
2025 BLS Actual
$89,310
2026 Current Est.
$93,722
2020–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Providence (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $76,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,722 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,352 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Providence metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 17.1% from $76,240 (2020) to $89,310 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,352 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,112 (29.00%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $87,247 – $88,181 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,181 – $93,722 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,722 – $102,568 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,568 – $109,431 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Providence
Within Providence, the local job market for dental hygienists shows promise, with about 1,250 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living in Providence leads to nuanced realities for take-home pay, especially when comparing different practice settings. Employers vary significantly in compensation; for instance, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) tend to offer competitive wages and benefits, including sign-on bonuses, compared to solo practices where benefits may be less comprehensive. Factors such as production-based bonuses linked to procedures and varying work schedules impact the earnings spread. To maximize potential pay, dental hygienists should consider seeking employment with DSOs or larger multi-doctor practices, which often provide full-time benefits and higher compensation structures. Balancing the choice of workplace with an awareness of local economic conditions will serve as a strategic approach for those entering the dental hygiene field in Providence, RI.
More salary data for Providence, RI: