Farmington vs Roswell: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Farmington, NM and Roswell, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Roswell, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,887 | $95,333▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.62 | $45.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,138▲ | $73,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,397▲ | $80,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,630 | $103,587▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,514 | $117,274▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Roswell, NM offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Farmington and Roswell is $446 (0.47%). Roswell's median is -7.40% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $21,376,Roswell spans $44,048. Roswell 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, Farmington ($108,186 effective) pays 7.13% more than Roswell ($100,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,186)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Roswell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,333/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,274)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Farmington grew 18.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Roswell over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$76,320 (2020) → $90,420 (2025)
Roswell, NM
$79,771 (2020) → $90,845 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Roswell, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Farmington or Roswell?
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Should I relocate from Farmington to Roswell as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Farmington vs Roswell?
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