Dental Hygienist Salary in Bristol, VA: $88,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Bristol, VA earns a median $88,964/year (≈ $42.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $86,205 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the projected median salary for dental hygienists in 2026 is $88,964, reflecting a regional adjustment in relation to the national context. When comparing to the national median of $102,946, it becomes clear that local dental hygienist pay trails behind by approximately 13.58%. The salary range for this profession in Bristol varies significantly, from $72,284 at the 10th percentile to $108,007 at the 90th percentile. These salary estimates are drawn from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting how purchasing power changes with living expenses. Despite the lower average salary, the job market for dental hygienists remains competitive with growth projected at 4.94% annually, reflecting a steady demand for dental care professionals in the area.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($94,466) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,284 | $34.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,512 | $37.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,964 | $42.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,370 | $46.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,007 | $51.92 |
Median Salary Position
13.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,723 (2026 est.). At $88,964, the local median is 13.58% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $88,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $105,283 | -15.50% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -13.58% less |
Dental Hygienists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $88,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 15.50% below the Virginia state average of $105,283.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,964 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,205 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$74,467
2025 BLS Actual
$84,776
2026 Current Est.
$88,964
2020–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bristol (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $74,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,359 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 13.8% from $74,467 (2020) to $84,776 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,359 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,892 (25.37%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $72,284 – $77,512 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,512 – $88,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,964 – $96,370 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,370 – $108,007 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Bristol
Considering the local job market, there are currently six dental hygienists employed in Bristol, indicating a niche market for this role. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, dental hygienists may find that their take-home purchasing power is impacted, as salaries must accommodate the slightly higher living expenses in the area. Among potential employers, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often offer more competitive pay and benefits compared to private practices, which might not provide health insurance or bonuses. Differences in salary can also stem from factors such as the type of practice—like periodontal or pediatric specialty offices—and whether employment is full-time or part-time. For those looking to maximize their dental hygienist pay in Bristol VA, targeting opportunities with DSOs, negotiating for sign-on bonuses, or securing production-based incentives through specialized practices are all viable strategies for increasing overall compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $84,776 for dental hygienistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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