Joplin vs Springfield: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Joplin, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,384 | $90,080▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.01 | $43.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,153 | $56,174▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,750▲ | $83,774 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,034 | $96,440▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,203 | $101,844▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between Joplin and Springfield is $2,696 (3.09%). Springfield's median is -12.50% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joplin spans $35,050,Springfield spans $45,670. Springfield 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, Joplin ($101,944 effective) pays 0.25% more than Springfield ($101,688 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joplin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,944)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,080/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,844)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Joplin grew 15.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Joplin, MO
$71,860 (2020) → $83,270 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$76,850 (2020) → $85,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joplin, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Joplin or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Joplin and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Joplin to Springfield as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Joplin vs Springfield?
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