How much do dental hygienists make in Florida?
Florida dental hygienists make $91,980 at the median and $88,320 on average, across 11,980 jobs, the fourth-largest hygienist workforce in the country.[oews_hyg] Florida ranks 34th of 50 states on median pay.
| Percentile | Florida | Hourly (FL) | United States | Florida as % of U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $75,960 | $36.52 | $74,880 | 101% |
| 25th | $80,190 | $38.55 | $83,570 | 96% |
| 50th (median) | $91,980 | $44.22 | $98,100 | 94% |
| 75th | $96,060 | $46.18 | $108,480 | 89% |
| 90th | $99,040 | $47.62 | $126,050 | 79% |
The Florida 10th percentile ($75,960) is actually higher than the national one, but every higher percentile falls further behind, so that by the 90th percentile Florida pays 79% of the U.S. figure. The practical meaning: a Florida hygienist starts near the national level, but only one in four earns more than $96,060 and one in ten more than $99,040. Negotiate on hours, benefits and bonuses as well as the rate.
Florida take-home pay
Florida does not impose a personal income tax,[fl_dor] which offsets part of the lower gross pay. A single Florida hygienist at the median takes home about $73,538 a year after 2026 federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare.[irs_2026][irs_p15] A hygienist at the national median would keep $77,843 before any state tax, so in a state with an income tax of about 4.4% of pay or more, the Florida hygienist comes out ahead.
Florida vs the Southeast
Within the Southeast, Florida pays less than Georgia and North Carolina at the median but well above Alabama and South Carolina.[oews_hyg]
| State | Median | Hourly | 90th pct. | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $91,980 | $44.22 | $99,040 | 11,980 |
| Georgia | $95,490 | $45.91 | $103,650 | 7,440 |
| Alabama | $61,160 | $29.40 | $72,410 | 3,170 |
| South Carolina | $84,340 | $40.55 | $97,220 | 3,160 |
| North Carolina | $97,850 | $47.04 | $103,850 | 6,690 |
| Tennessee | $84,640 | $40.69 | $98,300 | 4,570 |
Florida dental hygienist license
Florida’s requirements are written into statute. Section 466.007, Florida Statutes, lets a person sit for licensure as a dental hygienist if they are at least 18, graduated from a board-approved or CODA-accredited program, and passed the national board (NBDHE).[fs_466_007] The licensure exam then has two parts:
- The ADEX dental hygiene examination produced by the American Board of Dental Examiners, which the statute names as the clinical exam; the board accepts ADEX scores from June 1, 2010 onward.[fs_466_007][flboard_dh]
- A written exam on Florida’s dental laws and rules, administered through the ADEX testing agency.[flboard_dh]
The board also requires electronic Livescan fingerprints and BLS with AED certification. Fees are $50 to apply plus $80 for the license, $130 in all; in the second year of the two-year license cycle the license portion drops to $37.50.[flboard_dh] The statute caps the application fee at $100 and the examination fee at $225.[fs_466_007]
Local anesthesia certification in Florida
Florida hygienists may administer local anesthesia only after a separate certification: a course of at least 30 hours of classroom and 30 hours of clinical instruction from an accredited or board-approved program, current BLS or ACLS, and a one-time $35 application fee.[flboard_la] Because it is a separate certification, check whether an applicant or a practice’s current hygienist holds it.
Compare Florida with other states on the dental hygienist salary by state page, convert hourly offers on dental hygienist hourly pay, or see the steps in how to become a dental hygienist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental hygienist make an hour in Florida?
$44.22 at the median; $36.52 at the 10th percentile and $47.62 at the 90th (BLS, May 2025).
Why is dental hygienist pay lower in Florida?
BLS reports the wages, not the reasons. Florida’s distribution is compressed at the top, so the median and upper percentiles trail the U.S. even though starting pay is close to the national level.
What exams do Florida dental hygienists take?
The NBDHE, the ADEX dental hygiene clinical exam and a Florida laws and rules exam (§466.007, F.S.).
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Florida?
Yes, with a board certification that requires a 30-hour classroom and 30-hour clinical course and a $35 application fee.
Sources
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025: 29-1292 Dental Hygienists (national, state and metro estimates)
- FAQ: Florida does not impose a personal income tax
- Rev. Proc. 2025-32: 2026 tax rate tables and standard deduction
- Publication 15 (2026), Circular E: Social Security wage base and FICA rates
- Florida Statutes §466.007, Examination of dental hygienists
- Dental Hygienist licensure: requirements and fees
- Local anesthesia certification for dental hygienists