Sacramento vs San Diego: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,593 | $129,905▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.83 | $62.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,634▲ | $113,671 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,289▲ | $127,376 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,917 | $133,085▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,914 | $136,978▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,200▲ | 1,940 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Diego is $1,312 (1.02%). San Diego's median is +26.19% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $8,280,San Diego spans $23,307. San Diego 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, Sacramento ($120,552 effective) pays 3.83% more than San Diego ($116,104 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,552)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,905/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,978)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Sacramento grew 18.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$103,220 (2020) → $122,540 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$106,740 (2020) → $123,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Sacramento or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Diego as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Sacramento vs San Diego?
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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