Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,801▲ | $82,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.86▲ | $39.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,719▲ | $63,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,330▲ | $70,304 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,592▲ | $90,339 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,054▲ | $102,782 |
| Total Employed | 4,180▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre is $22,834 (27.52%). Philadelphia's median is +2.77% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $21,335,Wilkes-Barre spans $38,967. Wilkes-Barre 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, Philadelphia ($103,166 effective) pays 21.11% more than Wilkes-Barre ($85,182 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,801/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,054)
- ✓Larger job market (4,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,166)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Philadelphia grew 24.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$80,980 (2020) → $100,820 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$71,907 (2020) → $79,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Philadelphia or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre?
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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