Boston vs Salem: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Boston, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,028▲ | $100,323 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.45▲ | $48.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,595▲ | $82,248 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,345▲ | $88,549 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,097▲ | $106,800 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,378 | $129,640▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,150▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Boston and Salem is $6,705 (6.68%). Boston's median is +3.97% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $22,783,Salem spans $47,392. Salem 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, Boston ($98,857 effective) pays 6.91% more than Salem ($92,464 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,028/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,857)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,640)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Boston grew 18.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Boston, MA
$86,450 (2020) → $101,990 (2025)
Salem, MA
$82,955 (2020) → $95,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Boston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Boston to Salem as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Boston vs Salem?
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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