Kennewick vs University Place: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Kennewick, WA and University Place, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | University Place, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,531▲ | $126,529 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.79▲ | $60.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,360▲ | $97,121 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,881▲ | $106,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,655 | $134,710▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,083 | $163,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to University Place.
The salary gap between Kennewick and University Place is $2,002 (1.58%). Kennewick's median is +24.85% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $48,723,University Place spans $66,246. University Place 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, Kennewick ($128,430 effective) pays 9.01% more than University Place ($117,811 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,531/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,430)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose University Place if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,367)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Kennewick grew 28.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in University Place over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$95,610 (2020) → $122,480 (2025)
University Place, WA
$96,454 (2020) → $120,573 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
University Place, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Kennewick or University Place?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and University Place?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to University Place as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Kennewick vs University Place?
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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