In 2014, a report released by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development showed that dental hygienists are expected to experience the second highest occupational growth rate (27.8%) among all occupations in the state between 2012 and 2022.
In 2013, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development found dental hygienists in the state were earning an average wage of $35.34/hr. By comparison, the national average wage rate for dental assistants was slightly lower at $34.39/hr.
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In that same year, an average entry-level wage for Alaskan dental hygienists was $32.29/hr. On the other hand, an average high wage was closer to $38.39/hr.
A Comparison of National and State Dental Hygienist Salaries
Dental hygienist salary percentiles in Alaska compared to national percentile statistics for 2013:
- 10th Percentile AK: $49,000/yr.
- 10th Percentile US: $47,900/yr.
- 25th Percentile AK: $61,400/yr.
- 25th Percentile US: $59,600/yr.
- Median Percentile AK: $75,300/yr.
- Median Percentile US: $71,100/yr.
- 75th Percentile AK: $87,200/yr.
- 75th Percentile US:$85,300/yr.
- 90th Percentile AK: $94,500/yr.
- 90th Percentile US: $96,700/yr.
Non-salaried dental hygienists working in Alaska also typically earn higher wages than the national standard. Here are the wage percentile comparisons for 2013:
- 10th Percentile AK: $23.57/hr.
- 10th Percentile US: $23.02/hr.
- 25th Percentile AK: $29.05/hr.
- 25th Percentile US: $28.66/hr.
- Median Percentile AK: $36.21/hr.
- Median Percentile US: $34.19/hr.
- 75th Percentile AK: $41.91/hr.
- 75th Percentile US:$41.02/hr.
- 90th Percentile AK: $45.41/hr.
- 90th Percentile US: $46.49/hr.
A more comprehensive display of dental hygienist pay statistics in Alaska for 2013 is located in the table below. Data provided courtesy of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: