How much do dental hygienists make in California?
Dental hygienists in California make $124,930 at the median, with the middle half between $109,730 and $132,120.[oews_hyg] California ranks 4th among states, behind only Washington, DC, Alaska and Washington state, and it accounts for 11% of all U.S. hygienist jobs.
| Percentile | California | Hourly (CA) | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $102,090 | $49.08 | $74,880 | +$27,210 |
| 25th | $109,730 | $52.75 | $83,570 | +$26,160 |
| 50th (median) | $124,930 | $60.06 | $98,100 | +$26,830 |
| 75th | $132,120 | $63.52 | $108,480 | +$23,640 |
| 90th | $151,920 | $73.04 | $126,050 | +$25,870 |
The California premium is largest at the bottom of the scale: the 10th percentile is $27,210 above the national figure, while the 90th is $25,870 above. In other words, even entry-level pay in California is high by national standards.
California vs nearby states
California pays hygienists less than Washington but more than Oregon, Nevada and Arizona at the median.[oews_hyg]
| State | Median | Hourly | Jobs | State wage tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $124,930 | $60.06 | 24,500 | Yes |
| Oregon | $122,080 | $58.69 | 3,600 | Yes |
| Washington | $131,160 | $63.06 | 6,330 | None |
| Nevada | $115,290 | $55.43 | 1,510 | None |
| Arizona | $101,010 | $48.56 | 4,530 | Yes |
Washington and Nevada do not tax wages,[wa_dor][nv_tax] which widens the take-home gap. Moving also means a new license: California requires out-of-state hygienists to meet its own course requirements (below).
California dental hygienist take-home pay
A single California hygienist at the $124,930 median keeps about $96,656 after 2026 federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, before California income tax.[irs_2026][irs_p15] California has a graduated state income tax, so enter your effective rate in the calculator (it is the total state tax divided by gross pay, not your top bracket) to see your own estimate.
California dental hygienist license (RDH)
California licenses hygienists through its own board, the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC), separate from the Dental Board. To become an RDH by clinical examination you need:[dhbc_wreb]
- Graduation from a board-approved, accredited dental hygiene program.
- The NBDHE, the national written exam ($600).[jcnde_nbdhe]
- A clinical examination accepted by the board. DHBC’s checklist lists WREB, CRDTS and ADEX score reports; confirm which exams the board accepts for your graduation year before you register.[dhbc_checklist]
- Board-approved courses in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia and soft tissue curettage. California-accredited programs include them; out-of-state graduates have their coursework reviewed for a $500 fee.[dhbc_checklist]
- Fingerprints by Live Scan or hard card.
- The California RDH Law and Ethics exam: 60 questions in 90 minutes at a PSI center, $32.07, taken after the application is approved.[dhbc_psi]
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application and license issuance | $200 |
| Law and Ethics exam (PSI) | $32.07 |
| Out-of-state anesthesia/nitrous/curettage review | $500 |
| License renewal (every 2 years) | $300 |
Fees from the DHBC application and the board’s 2022 fee change.[dhbc_app][dhbc_fee2022] California also has advanced hygiene licenses (registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, RDHAP, and in extended functions, RDHEF) that are outside the scope of this page.
For California assistants, the pay and the RDA license are on dental assistant salary California. For the national picture, see the dental hygienist salary by state table and how to become a dental hygienist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental hygienist make an hour in California?
$60.06 at the median; $49.08 at the 10th percentile and $73.04 at the 90th (BLS, May 2025).
Is California the highest paying state for dental hygienists?
No, it ranks 4th, behind Washington, DC, Alaska and Washington. It has by far the most jobs, though.
Do California hygienists need a local anesthesia permit?
Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia and soft tissue curettage coursework is part of the requirements for RDH licensure in California, not a separate later permit.
How much is the California RDH license?
$200 to apply (application plus license issuance), $32.07 for the Law and Ethics exam, and $300 every two years to renew.
Sources
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025: 29-1292 Dental Hygienists (national, state and metro estimates)
- Income tax (Washington has no individual income tax on wages)
- Income tax in Nevada
- Rev. Proc. 2025-32: 2026 tax rate tables and standard deduction
- Publication 15 (2026), Circular E: Social Security wage base and FICA rates
- Become licensed: Registered Dental Hygienist by clinical examination
- National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) 2026 Candidate Guide
- RDH licensure checklist (clinical examination and licensure by credential)
- RDH Laws and Ethics Examination candidate handbook
- RDH application (application and license issuance fees)
- 2022 fee increase justification (RDH biennial renewal $300)