Dental Hygienists Jobs Pay in Kentucky, KY

Average Hourly Pay

$38.38
19.9%Above national average

Range: $36.55 - $40.21

Average Annual Pay

$79,825
19.9%Above national average

Range: $76,024 - $83,626

Entry-level
$67,851/per year
Top 10%
$83,626+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$38.38
19.9%Above national average

Range: $36.55 - $40.21

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Kentucky, KY?

The average annual salary for a dental hygienist in Kentucky, KY is $79,825 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $38.38 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $1,535 per week or $6,652 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$68k
75th
$80k
Top 10%
$84k

Dental Hygienists salaries in Kentucky, KY can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $83,626, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $76,024 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY — about $11,974 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for dental hygienists to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for dental hygienists around Kentucky, KY

While the average salary for a dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY is $79,825 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 6 cities report average dental hygienists salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is California, followed by Alaska and Connecticut, which also rank among the top-paying locations for dental hygienists in the state.

California stands out with dental hygienists earning around $53,617 more than the statewide average, or about 67% higher.

In Alaska and Connecticut, average salaries are about $32,586 higher than the Kentucky, KY average, representing roughly a 41% increase.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, dental hygienists may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within Kentucky, KY.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Dental Hygienists pay in Kentucky, KY by experience level

Salaries for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$32.62/hrRange: $36.55 – $32.62
Annual Rate$67,851Range: $76,024 $67,851

Entry-level dental hygienists (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $76,024 – $67,851 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$38.38/hrRange: $32.62 – $44.14
Annual Rate$79,825Range: $67,851 $91,799

Mid-level dental hygienists (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $67,851 – $91,799 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$44.14/hrRange: $44.14 – $40.21
Annual Rate$91,799Range: $91,799 $83,626

Experienced dental hygienists (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $91,799 – $83,626 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY

Several factors can influence how much dental hygienists earn in Kentucky, KY, even when the average salary is around $79,825 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $67,851, while experienced professionals can make $91,799+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

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FAQs about Dental Hygienist in Kentucky, KY

Do dental hygienists make good money in Kentucky, KY?

Whether or not you think dental hygienists pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY is about $79,825 per year, or roughly $38.38 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $67,851 annually, while experienced workers can earn $91,799 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can dental hygienists make $90,000 a year in Kentucky, KY?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $79,825, top-earning dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY can make about $83,626 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $80,000 a good salary for a dental hygienist in Kentucky, KY?

A salary of $80,000 is close to the average for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY. Most professionals in this role earn between $67,851 and $91,799 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting dental hygienist make in Kentucky, KY?

Entry-level dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY typically earn around $32.62/hr, which equals roughly $67,851 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified dental hygienist make in Kentucky, KY?

Licensed or certified dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY earn about $79,825 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $67,851 and $91,799 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $83,626 or more.

What is the hourly pay for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY?

The average hourly pay for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY is about $38.38 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $32.62, while experienced professionals can earn $44.14+ per hour.

What is the salary range for dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY?

Most dental hygienists in Kentucky, KY earn between $67,851 and $91,799 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $83,626 annually.

How fast does pay increase for dental hygienists?

Pay for dental hygienists typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $67,851 early in their careers to $91,799+ after several years of experience.
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