Albany vs Columbus: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Albany, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,144 | $84,204▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.97 | $40.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,367 | $67,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,467▲ | $68,368 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,569▲ | $87,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,038▲ | $95,642 |
| Total Employed | 90 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Columbus is $1,060 (1.27%). Columbus's median is -18.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $31,671,Columbus spans $28,155. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($94,839 effective) pays 0.57% more than Columbus ($94,298 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,038)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,839)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,204/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Albany grew 32.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.3% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Albany, GA
$60,040 (2020) → $79,230 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$59,300 (2020) → $80,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Albany or Columbus?
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Should I relocate from Albany to Columbus as a dental hygienist?
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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