Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,775▲ | $100,046 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.89▲ | $48.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,255▲ | $79,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,497▲ | $85,642 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,087▲ | $104,743 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,953 | $125,118▲ |
| Total Employed | 940▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro is $3,729 (3.73%). Virginia Beach's median is +0.81% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $12,698,Waynesboro spans $46,037. Waynesboro 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, Virginia Beach ($105,957 effective) pays 9.30% more than Waynesboro ($96,944 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,775/year)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,957)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,118)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Virginia Beach grew 24.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$79,270 (2020) → $98,890 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$73,570 (2020) → $95,336 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Virginia Beach or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro?
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