Burlington vs Cedar Rapids: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Burlington, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,845 | $86,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.31 | $41.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,541 | $82,220▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,894 | $84,750▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,552 | $96,492▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,755▲ | $97,605 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Cedar Rapids is $2,489 (2.97%). Cedar Rapids's median is -16.14% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $34,214,Cedar Rapids spans $15,385. Burlington 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, Cedar Rapids ($97,045 effective) pays 4.63% more than Burlington ($92,749 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,755)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,334/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,045)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Burlington grew 13.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$70,723 (2020) → $79,898 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$74,950 (2020) → $82,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Burlington or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Cedar Rapids as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Burlington vs Cedar Rapids?
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