Barre vs Burlington: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Barre, VT and Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barre, VT | Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,592 | $103,188▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.37 | $49.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,540 | $90,427▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,323 | $101,299▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,785▲ | $106,483 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,600▲ | $115,465 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Barre.
The salary gap between Barre and Burlington is $2,596 (2.58%). Burlington's median is +0.24% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barre spans $40,060,Burlington spans $25,038. Barre 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, Burlington ($102,218 effective) pays 5.17% more than Barre ($97,190 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,600)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,188/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,218)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Barre grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in Burlington over the same period.
Barre, VT
$94,386 (2024) → $95,857 (2025)
Burlington, VT
$67,230 (2020) → $98,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
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
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