Pittsburgh vs Scranton: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,712▲ | $74,224 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.32▲ | $35.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,941▲ | $38,502 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,240▲ | $58,997 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,112▲ | $74,738 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,697▲ | $82,598 |
| Total Employed | 1,580▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scranton.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Scranton is $5,488 (7.39%). Pittsburgh's median is -22.57% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $17,756,Scranton spans $44,096. Scranton 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, Pittsburgh ($84,199 effective) pays 6.13% more than Scranton ($79,336 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,712/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,697)
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,199)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 25.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,780 (2020) → $75,960 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$56,860 (2020) → $70,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Pittsburgh or Scranton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Scranton?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Scranton as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Pittsburgh vs Scranton?
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