Dental Hygienist in Utah: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Utah employs 3,780 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $91,120 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Utah licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Utah (May 2025)
- Utah median pay
- $91,120 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $78,830
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $95,490
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,570
- Employed in Utah
- 3,780
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Utah markets:
- Salt Lake City
- $94,330 (1,390 employed)
- Provo
- $92,000 (930 employed)
- Ogden
- $85,330 (740 employed)
- St. George
- $82,890 (200 employed)
- Logan
- $81,540 (150 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Utah
Prices in Utah run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $91,120 median stretches to roughly $92,133 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Utah (2024–2034)
Utah is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +29.2%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 380 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Utah License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a clinical exam.
- Apply to DOPL; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) →
Training in Utah
One of the best-paid 2-year healthcare paths. Seats are competitive — plan prerequisites early and check program pass rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Utah include:
- Careers Unlimited — Bachelor's
- Fortis College-Salt Lake City — Associate
- Provo College — Associate
- Salt Lake Community College — Associate
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 Utah?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Utah is $91,120 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $78,830, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,570. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Utah?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Utah?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Utah metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Utah metro areas, Salt Lake City leads at $94,330, followed by Provo ($92,000), Ogden ($85,330). 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 Utah?
Real Utah options include Careers Unlimited, Fortis College-Salt Lake City, Provo 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 Utah?
Utah projects dental hygienists employment to change +29.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 380 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), Utah statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (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 Utah wages · Utah 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.