Lincoln vs Norfolk: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Lincoln, NE and Norfolk, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Norfolk, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,798▲ | $87,727 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.98▲ | $42.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,939 | $73,547▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,563▲ | $78,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,568▲ | $94,850 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,765 | $106,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Norfolk is $12,071 (13.76%). Lincoln's median is -3.06% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $32,826,Norfolk spans $33,091. Norfolk 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, Lincoln ($108,972 effective) pays 13.66% more than Norfolk ($95,877 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,798/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,972)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,638)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Lincoln grew 26.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Norfolk over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$75,220 (2020) → $95,100 (2025)
Norfolk, NE
$68,297 (2020) → $83,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Norfolk, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Lincoln or Norfolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Norfolk?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Norfolk as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Lincoln vs Norfolk?
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