Dental Hygienist Salary in Lakewood, OH: $88,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Lakewood, OH earns a median $88,300/year (≈ $42.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $97,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Lakewood, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $88,300. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, with salaries ranging from $64,896 at the 10th percentile to $116,700 at the 90th percentile. While this salary may seem competitive, it's important to consider the national average of $102,946 for the same year, which indicates a potential shortfall in purchasing power in relation to national standards. The local job market includes just 11 dental hygienists, suggesting that opportunities may be selective and competitive.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($86,075) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,896 | $31.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,682 | $34.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,300 | $42.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,613 | $46.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,700 | $56.10 |
Median Salary Position
14.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, OH, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,804 (2026 est.). At $88,300, the local median is 14.23% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $88,300/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $88,743 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -14.23% less |
Dental Hygienists in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $88,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $88,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $88,300 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,354 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2020 BLS Actual
$69,055
2025 BLS Actual
$84,143
2026 Current Est.
$88,300
2020–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lakewood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $69,055 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,563 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,588 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,143 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,662 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 21.8% from $69,055 (2020) to $84,143 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,662 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,607 (34.19%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,896 – $72,682 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,682 – $88,300 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,300 – $96,613 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,613 – $116,700 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Lakewood
The job market in Lakewood illustrates a nuanced landscape influenced by the region's cost of living index, which stands at 90.7. This figure indicates that everyday expenses are slightly below national averages, affecting take-home purchasing power for dental hygienists. Those seeking higher dental hygienist pay in Lakewood, OH, might find advantageous opportunities within Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland Dental and Aspen, which often offer better benefits and sign-on bonuses compared to solo practices. Variability in salaries arises from several factors, including production-based bonuses and differences in work schedules that can influence overall compensation. To maximize earnings, dental hygienists should focus on networking with local employers, considering group practices that boast patient retention programs and flexible scheduling, and staying informed on the latest industry trends.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Lakewood, OH in 2026?
Is Lakewood, OH a good place to work as a dental hygienist?
Can dental hygienists make $100K in Lakewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental hygienist salary in Lakewood?
How much does a dental hygienist make per hour in Lakewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $84,143 for dental hygienistsin the Lakewood metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov