Burlington vs South Burlington: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Burlington, VT and South Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | South Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,188 | $103,712▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.62 | $49.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,427▲ | $80,651 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,299▲ | $88,061 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,483 | $113,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,465 | $128,861▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and South Burlington is $524 (0.51%). South Burlington's median is +0.74% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $25,038,South Burlington spans $48,210. South Burlington 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, Burlington ($102,218 effective) pays 2.01% more than South Burlington ($100,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,218)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose South Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,712/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,861)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Burlington grew 46.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 55.6% growth in South Burlington over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$67,230 (2020) → $98,330 (2025)
South Burlington, VT
$63,517 (2020) → $98,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Burlington or South Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and South Burlington?
Should I relocate from Burlington to South Burlington as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Burlington vs South Burlington?
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