Charlottesville vs Richmond: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,010▲ | $109,400 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.34▲ | $52.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,729▲ | $99,557 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,285▲ | $108,036 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,308▲ | $109,862 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,548▲ | $125,246 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Richmond is $3,610 (3.30%). Charlottesville's median is +9.78% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $34,819,Richmond spans $25,689. Charlottesville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlottesville ($113,983 effective) pays 1.96% more than Richmond ($111,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,010/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,548)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,983)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Charlottesville grew 34.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$79,850 (2020) → $107,690 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$75,620 (2020) → $104,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Charlottesville or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Richmond as a dental hygienist?
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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