Richmond vs Sterling: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Richmond, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,400▲ | $101,040 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.60▲ | $48.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,557▲ | $81,823 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,036▲ | $86,407 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,862 | $110,783▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,246 | $126,428▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Richmond and Sterling is $8,360 (8.27%). 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 Richmond spans $25,689,Sterling spans $44,605. Sterling 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, Richmond ($111,795 effective) pays 14.18% more than Sterling ($97,907 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,400/year)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,795)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,428)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Richmond grew 37.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$75,620 (2020) → $104,250 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$74,302 (2020) → $96,284 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Richmond or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Sterling as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Richmond vs Sterling?
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