Bristol vs Richmond: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,964 | $109,400▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.77 | $52.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,284 | $99,557▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,512 | $108,036▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,370 | $109,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,007 | $125,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $20,436 (22.97%). Richmond's median is +6.27% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $35,723,Richmond spans $25,689. Bristol has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($111,795 effective) pays 29.68% more than Bristol ($86,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,400/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,246)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,795)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bristol grew 13.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$74,467 (2020) → $84,776 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$75,620 (2020) → $104,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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