Dental Hygienist in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Georgia employs 7,440 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $95,490 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Georgia (May 2025)
- Georgia median pay
- $95,490 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $74,610
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $101,620
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $103,650
- Employed in Georgia
- 7,440
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Georgia markets:
- Atlanta metro
- $100,370 (4,710 employed)
- Columbus
- $80,240 (240 employed)
- Augusta
- $79,840 (370 employed)
- Macon
- $79,260 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia
Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $95,490 median stretches to roughly $99,159 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)
Georgia is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +7.3%, about in line with the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 510 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Georgia License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years with prerequisites).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a board-accepted regional clinical exam (CDCA/ADEX).
- Apply through the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
Official requirements: Georgia Board of Dentistry →
Training in Georgia
Georgia technical colleges and Georgia Highlands/Augusta University run accredited programs at reasonable cost. Metro Atlanta's growth keeps hygienist demand ahead of supply.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:
- Albany State University — Associate / Bachelor's
- Athens Technical College — Associate
- Atlanta Technical College — Associate
- Augusta University — Bachelor's
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.
Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.
Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
First Steps
Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Georgia?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Georgia is $95,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $74,610, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $103,650. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Georgia?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years with prerequisites).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Georgia?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Georgia metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $100,370, followed by Columbus ($80,240), Augusta ($79,840). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Hygienist in Georgia?
Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Athens Technical College, Atlanta Technical College. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Georgia?
Georgia projects dental hygienists employment to change +7.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 510 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia Board of Dentistry (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Georgia wages · Georgia licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.