Kennewick vs Tacoma: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,531 | $138,006▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.79 | $66.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,360▲ | $102,418 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,881 | $115,436▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,655 | $159,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,083 | $190,052▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Tacoma is $9,475 (7.37%). Tacoma's median is +34.06% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $48,723,Tacoma spans $87,634. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($128,497 effective) pays 0.05% more than Kennewick ($128,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,006/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,052)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,497)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Kennewick grew 28.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$95,610 (2020) → $122,480 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$99,616 (2020) → $131,509 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Kennewick or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Tacoma as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Kennewick vs Tacoma?
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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