Dental Hygienist in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Washington employs 6,330 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $131,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $131,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $107,090
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $134,670
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $162,050
- Employed in Washington
- 6,330
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Washington markets:
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $133,740 (3,500 employed)
- Bellingham
- $124,850 (150 employed)
- Olympia
- $122,950 (220 employed)
- Tri-Cities
- $122,480 (270 employed)
- Spokane
- $116,690 (500 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $131,160 median is worth closer to $122,579 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +17.0%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 790 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Dental Hygienist (LDH) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Health — Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
- Complete an accredited dental hygiene program (typically a 2-year associate degree from a CODA-accredited school) covering clinical hygiene, radiography, and patient care.
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical board examination (WREB/ADEX or equivalent accepted by WA DQAC).
- Apply to the WA Department of Health. License renews biennially with 21 CE hours, including 2 hours of infection control.
Official requirements: Washington State Department of Health — Dental Quality Assurance Commission →
Training in Washington
Seattle Central College, Shoreline Community College, and Pierce College offer CODA-accredited programs. Washington's large private practice dental network, Group Health, and hospital systems create consistent demand across the Puget Sound and Spokane metros.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:
- Bates Technical College — Associate
- Bellingham Technical College — Associate
- Clark College — Associate / Bachelor's
- Clover Park Technical 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 Washington?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Washington is $131,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $107,090, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $162,050. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Washington?
Licensed Dental Hygienist (LDH), overseen by the Washington State Department of Health — Dental Quality Assurance Commission. Complete an accredited dental hygiene program (typically a 2-year associate degree from a CODA-accredited school) covering clinical hygiene, radiography, and patient care.
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Washington?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Washington metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $133,740, followed by Bellingham ($124,850), Olympia ($122,950). 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 Washington?
Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Bellingham Technical College, Clark 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 Washington?
Washington projects dental hygienists employment to change +17.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 790 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Health — Dental Quality Assurance Commission (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.