Bellevue vs Grand Island: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bellevue, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,214▲ | $89,892 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.85▲ | $43.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,038 | $85,684▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,612 | $88,454▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,332▲ | $96,534 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,975▲ | $99,084 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Island.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Grand Island is $1,322 (1.47%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $48,937,Grand Island spans $13,400. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($103,733 effective) pays 4.06% more than Bellevue ($99,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,975)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,733)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bellevue grew 22.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$71,012 (2020) → $86,920 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$65,610 (2020) → $85,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bellevue or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Grand Island as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bellevue vs Grand Island?
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