Cleveland vs Cincinnati: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,386 | $108,025▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.89 | $51.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,267 | $85,841▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,907 | $98,937▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,182 | $108,949▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,497 | $137,986▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,790▲ | 1,700 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Cincinnati is $14,639 (15.68%). Cincinnati's median is +4.93% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $14,230,Cincinnati spans $52,145. Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati ($113,269 effective) pays 13.92% more than Cleveland ($99,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,025/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,986)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,269)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Cleveland grew 31.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 39.3% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$67,870 (2020) → $88,990 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$73,880 (2020) → $102,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Cleveland or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Cincinnati as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Cleveland vs Cincinnati?
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