Columbia vs Myrtle Beach: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Columbia, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,439▲ | $84,896 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.56▲ | $40.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,144▲ | $63,121 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,224▲ | $78,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,579▲ | $87,793 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,758 | $95,957▲ |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Myrtle Beach.
The salary gap between Columbia and Myrtle Beach is $1,543 (1.82%). Columbia's median is -16.03% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $29,614,Myrtle Beach spans $32,836. Myrtle Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($92,288 effective) pays 1.80% more than Myrtle Beach ($90,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,439/year)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,288)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,957)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Columbia grew 39.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$59,080 (2020) → $82,370 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$64,570 (2020) → $80,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Columbia or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Myrtle Beach 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