Dental Hygienists Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $121,100 +28.5% vs national
Median hourly $58.22
10th percentile $110,350
90th percentile $145,600
Employed locally 220
National median $94,260

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Dental Hygienists
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San Luis Obispo, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $110,350
    25th
    $119,270
    50th (median)
    $121,100
    75th
    $125,760
    90th
    $145,600

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Dental Hygienists salary vs area income 130% Median Dental Hygienists salary is 30% 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
    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
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $131,610
    Napa, CA $127,840

    Related occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $133,470
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $77,500
    Pharmacy Technicians $48,880
    Pharmacists $170,480
    Physical Therapists $99,700
    Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $49,350

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Dental Hygienists make per hour in San Luis Obispo?

    The median hourly wage for Dental Hygienists in San Luis Obispo, CA is $58.22, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $70.91 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo above or below average for Dental Hygienists salaries?

    The median Dental Hygienists salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 28.5% above 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 San Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Dental Hygienists (10th percentile) earn around $110,350 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $119,270.