Cleveland vs Youngstown: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Youngstown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Youngstown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,386▲ | $89,063 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.89▲ | $42.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,267▲ | $83,375 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,907 | $88,517▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,182▲ | $89,084 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,497▲ | $89,220 |
| Total Employed | 1,790▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Youngstown.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Youngstown is $4,323 (4.85%). Cleveland's median is -9.29% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $14,230,Youngstown spans $5,845. Cleveland 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, Youngstown ($101,910 effective) pays 2.50% more than Cleveland ($99,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,497)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Youngstown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,910)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Cleveland grew 31.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 34.5% growth in Youngstown over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$67,870 (2020) → $88,990 (2025)
Youngstown, OH
$63,090 (2020) → $84,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Youngstown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Cleveland or Youngstown?
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Should I relocate from Cleveland to Youngstown 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