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Dental Hygienist Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median dental hygienist salary in Virginia is $98,880 per year, equivalent to $47.54/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Virginia employs approximately 3,580 dental hygienists statewide.

Dental Hygienist salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $7,500. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average dental hygienist pay.

Virginia Dental Hygienist Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$98,880
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$75,736

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Dental Hygienist Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $98,880.

Your annual salary ($)

Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience — Virginia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$61,300/yr · $29.47/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Virginia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$88,003/yr · $42.31/hr
Established professional working independently in Virginia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$109,756/yr · $52.77/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Virginia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$142,400+/yr · $68.46/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Virginia.
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Dental Hygienist Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Dental Hygienist salaries in Virginia have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's dental offices.

2021
$86,816
2022
$91,859
+5.8%
2023
$96,111
+4.6%
2024
$97,693
+1.6%
2026
$98,880
+1.2%

Dental Hygienist Salary by City — Virginia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Virginia Beach$109,750$52.76+11.0%1,253
Norfolk$104,800$50.38+6.0%1,002
Chesapeake$101,850$48.97+3.0%644
Richmond$94,900$45.62-4.0%322
Arlington$90,000$43.27-9.0%214
Alexandria$86,050$41.37-13.0%143

Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest dental hygienist salaries in Virginia at $109,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for dental hygienists.

Virginia — 5.75% state income tax$98,880 gross~$75,736 take-home
West Virginia — 6.5%$72,670 gross-26.5% vs VA
Maryland — 5.75%$105,140 gross+6.3% vs VA
North Carolina — 4.5%$89,720 gross-9.3% vs VA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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Dental Hygienist Job Outlook in Virginia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
3,580Currently employed
358+New jobs projected

Employment for dental hygienists in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average dental hygienist pay.

How to Earn More as a Dental Hygienist in Virginia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a dental hygienist in Virginia typically adds $81,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Dental Examiners can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays dental hygienists $109,750/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Dental Hygienists who specialise in dental offices typically command premium rates in Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays dental hygienists $72,670/yr — -26.5% vs Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average dental hygienist salary in Virginia?
The average dental hygienist salary in Virginia is $98,880 per year, or $47.54 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $61,300 while experienced professionals earn $142,400 or more.
Where do dental hygienists earn the most in Virginia?
Virginia Beach pays dental hygienists the most in Virginia at an average of $109,750 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is dental hygienist pay in Virginia above or below the US average?
Virginia dental hygienist salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $7,500. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
How much do dental hygienists actually take home after taxes in Virginia?
A dental hygienist earning the Virginia average of $98,880 takes home approximately $75,736 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Should you become a dental hygienist in Virginia?
Yes. Dental Hygienist is a strong career choice in Virginia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average dental hygienist pay.
How do you become a licensed dental hygienist in Virginia?
In Virginia, dental hygienists are licensed through the State Board of Dental Examiners. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Dental Examiners for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.