Dental Hygienist Salary in Rome, NY: $99,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Rome, NY earns a median $99,175/year (≈ $47.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Rome's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $85,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Rome, NY, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $99,175, which reflects a modest 3.66% decrease compared to the national median of $102,946. The salary range highlights significant variability in pay, with entry-level positions starting at around $80,835 and more experienced practitioners earning up to $124,215, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. Given the local cost-of-living index of 115.9, which is above the national average, these figures underscore the need for dental hygienists in Rome to consider how their real purchasing power may be impacted. The job market remains relatively stable, reinforcing the notion that a career in dental hygiene can be both fulfilling and financially sustainable in this community.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($98,275) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,835 | $38.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,092 | $41.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,175 | $47.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,090 | $50.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,215 | $59.72 |
Median Salary Position
3.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
In Rome, NY, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,380 (2026 est.). At $99,175, the local median is 3.66% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rome: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rome Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Rome median: $99,175/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rome Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $98,290 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $102,946 | -3.66% less |
Dental Hygienists in Rome, NY earn a median of $99,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.66% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.90% above the New York state average of $98,290.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rome has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rome, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,175 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,569 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$80,389
2025 BLS Actual
$94,506
2026 Current Est.
$99,175
2020–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Rome (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $80,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,961 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,074 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rome metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 17.6% from $80,389 (2020) to $94,506 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,074 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,685 (29.46%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,835 – $87,092 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,092 – $99,175 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,175 – $105,090 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,090 – $124,215 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Rome
With only six dental hygienists currently employed in the area, competition for high-paying positions is limited. The elevated cost of living means that while salaries may appear attractive at first glance, the purchasing power may be more constrained than expected. Among local employers, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) frequently offer the best compensation packages, often including sign-on bonuses and full benefits, which can be crucial for maximizing earning potential. On the other end of the spectrum, solo practices may struggle to compete, often providing less comprehensive healthcare benefits and bonuses. To maximize pay in Rome, new dental hygienists should focus on opportunities with DSOs, consider securing performance-based bonuses, and negotiate their schedules carefully. With the job market evolving, understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed career choices in dental hygiene.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental hygienists make $100K in Rome?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $94,506 for dental hygienistsin the Rome metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rome is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov