Seattle vs Bellingham: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,347▲ | $131,018 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.48▲ | $62.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $133,924▲ | $112,044 |
| 25th Percentile | $139,413▲ | $126,012 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,103▲ | $155,038 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,895▲ | $157,074 |
| Total Employed | 3,500▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $9,329 (7.12%). Seattle's median is +36.33% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $36,971,Bellingham spans $45,030. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($126,791 effective) pays 0.40% more than Seattle ($126,287 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,347/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,895)
- ✓Larger job market (3,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,791)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Seattle grew 34.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$99,640 (2020) → $133,740 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$96,660 (2020) → $124,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Seattle or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Bellingham as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Seattle vs Bellingham?
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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