Dental Hygienists Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $79,740 -15.4% vs national
Median hourly $38.34
10th percentile $75,020
90th percentile $91,950
Employed locally 70
National median $94,260

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Dental Hygienists
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $75,020
    25th
    $78,630
    50th (median)
    $79,740
    75th
    $82,640
    90th
    $91,950

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Dental Hygienists salary vs area income 112% Median Dental Hygienists salary is 12% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Dental Hygienists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $146,760
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $135,010
    Vallejo, CA $134,450
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $132,010
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $131,890
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $131,610

    Nearby metros — Dental Hygienists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $132,010
    District of Columbia $127,900
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $122,740
    California $121,080
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $119,050
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $118,690

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $72,920
    Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $48,800
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $63,020
    Pharmacy Technicians $40,030
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $52,520
    Physical Therapists $86,440

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Dental Hygienists make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Dental Hygienists in Ames, IA is $38.34, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.75 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Dental Hygienists salaries?

    The median Dental Hygienists salary in Ames, IA is 15.4% below the national median of $94,260. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Dental Hygienists in Ames?

    Entry-level Dental Hygienists (10th percentile) earn around $75,020 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $78,630.