Dental Hygienist Salary in Burke, VA: $103,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Burke, VA earns a median $103,991/year (≈ $49.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Burke's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $100,766 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, dental hygienists in Burke, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $103,991, slightly above the national median of $102,946, indicating a healthy local job market. The salary range for this occupation stretches from $81,029 at the 10th percentile to $129,539 at the 90th percentile. With only 10 dental hygienists currently employed in this area, these figures suggest a level of market saturation, which may impact competition for positions and the potential for salary negotiations. The local estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, demonstrating Burke's steady demand for skilled dental hygienists.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($94,466) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,029 | $38.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,564 | $42.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,991 | $49.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,665 | $54.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,539 | $62.28 |
Median Salary Position
1.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
In Burke, VA, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,510 (2026 est.). At $103,991, the local median is 1.02% above the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burke Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Burke median: $103,991/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $105,254 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | +1.02% more |
Dental Hygienists in Burke, VA earn a median of $103,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.02% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.20% below the Virginia state average of $105,254.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burke has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,991 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,766 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$76,471
2025 BLS Actual
$99,096
2026 Current Est.
$103,991
2020–2027 Growth
+42.7%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Burke (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $76,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,523 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,129 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burke metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 29.6% from $76,471 (2020) to $99,096 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,658 (42.71%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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) | $81,029 – $88,564 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,564 – $103,991 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,991 – $113,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,665 – $129,539 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Burke
The current employment of 10 dental hygienists in Burke indicates a concentrated market, which can directly influence salary dynamics and job availability. The cost of living index for the area stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, meaning that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay may not stretch as far as in less expensive regions. Among local employers, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen often provide higher salaries and benefits compared to solo practices or public health clinics, making these options attractive for job seekers. The spread between lower and higher salaries is influenced by factors such as production-based bonuses tied to patient retention and overall practice revenues. New graduates should consider securing positions within DSOs or exploring multi-doctor group practices for better pay and benefits. Additionally, negotiating scheduling flexibility—such as working four days a week—can enhance overall compensation and job satisfaction in this competitive Burke VA market.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,096 for dental hygienistsin the Burke metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burke is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov