The Alabama Department of Labor recently evaluated state occupations based on their average wages, growth rate, and annual job openings. This research culminated in a list of 40 high demand occupations in Alabama. Dental hygienists were among the many health-related jobs on this short list.
In 2010, the Department of Labor estimated there were 3,030 dental hygienists employed across the state. By 2020, this occupation is expected to employ a workforce of nearly 4,350. This projection expresses a 3.68 annual growth rate, which will trigger approximately 195 job openings each year.
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As of 2014, the Department of Labor reported that dental hygienists in Alabama earn an average salary of $45,760/yr. or an average wage of $22/hr.
Workers with limited field experience typically received an average entry-level salary of $36,650/yr. or $17.62/hr.
In contrast, dental hygienists with extensive experience enjoyed much higher earnings of $50,320/yr. or $24.19/hr.
Salary and Wage Percentiles for Dental Hygienists in Alabama
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salaries by percentile for dental hygienists working in Alabama in 2013 were:
- 10th Percentile: $34,800/yr.
- 25th Percentile: $40,700/yr.
- Median Percentile: $46,100/yr.
- 75th Percentile: $53,400/yr.
- 90th Percentile: $58,900/yr.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wages by percentile for dental hygienists working in Alabama in 2013 were:
- 10th Percentile: $16.73/hr.
- 25th Percentile: $19.59/hr.
- Median Percentile: $22.18/hr.
- 75th Percentile: $25.68/hr.
- 90th Percentile: $28.34/hr.
Geographic Distribution of Earnings for Dental Hygienists in Alabama
In 2013, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics found dental assistants salary and wage earnings were linked to geographic location of employment. Results of this conclusion are as follows: