Gardner vs Olathe: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Gardner, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,778 | $93,898▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.72 | $45.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,504 | $73,325▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,060 | $80,823▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,237 | $102,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,768 | $124,374▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Olathe is $7,120 (8.20%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $35,264,Olathe spans $51,049. Olathe 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, Olathe ($103,298 effective) pays 8.20% more than Gardner ($95,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,374)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,298)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Gardner grew 28.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$64,351 (2020) → $82,693 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$69,631 (2020) → $89,478 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Gardner or Olathe?
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Should I relocate from Gardner to Olathe 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