Bellingham vs Kennewick: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,018▲ | $128,531 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.98▲ | $61.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,044▲ | $105,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,012▲ | $113,881 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,038▲ | $132,655 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,074▲ | $154,083 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Kennewick is $2,487 (1.93%). Bellingham's median is +27.27% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $45,030,Kennewick spans $48,723. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($128,430 effective) pays 1.29% more than Bellingham ($126,791 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,018/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,074)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,430)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bellingham grew 29.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$96,660 (2020) → $124,850 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$95,610 (2020) → $122,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bellingham or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Kennewick as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bellingham vs Kennewick?
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