Orlando vs St. Petersburg: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Orlando, FL and St. Petersburg, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | St. Petersburg, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,132 | $100,062▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.70 | $48.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,579▲ | $76,077 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,612 | $85,020▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,042 | $110,907▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,081 | $136,673▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,490▲ | 42 |
Verdict
St. Petersburg, FL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and St. Petersburg is $2,930 (3.02%). St. Petersburg's median is -2.80% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $21,502,St. Petersburg spans $60,596. St. Petersburg 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, St. Petersburg ($99,268 effective) pays 3.65% more than Orlando ($95,774 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose St. Petersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,062/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,673)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,268)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Orlando grew 28.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in St. Petersburg over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$71,820 (2020) → $92,560 (2025)
St. Petersburg, FL
$71,905 (2020) → $95,352 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Orlando or St. Petersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and St. Petersburg?
Should I relocate from Orlando to St. Petersburg as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Orlando vs St. Petersburg?
Related Comparisons
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