Dental Hygienist in Vermont: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Vermont employs 560 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $97,470 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Vermont licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Vermont (May 2025)
- Vermont median pay
- $97,470 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $81,010
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $101,230
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $110,010
- Employed in Vermont
- 560
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Vermont markets:
- Burlington
- $98,330 (250 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Vermont
Prices in Vermont run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $97,470 median stretches to roughly $99,459 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Vermont (2024–2034)
Vermont is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +1.1%, slower than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Vermont License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners.
- 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 the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners (OPR); renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners →
Training in Vermont
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 Vermont include:
- Vermont State University — Associate / 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 Vermont?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Vermont is $97,470 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $81,010, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $110,010. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Vermont?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners. Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Vermont?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Vermont metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Vermont metro areas, Burlington leads at $98,330. 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 Vermont?
Real Vermont options include Vermont State University. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Vermont?
Vermont projects dental hygienists employment to change +1.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Vermont statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Dental Examiners (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 Vermont wages · Vermont 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.