Athens vs Cleveland: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,345 | $93,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.59 | $44.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,322 | $84,267▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,321 | $84,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,680 | $98,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,526▲ | $98,497 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,790▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $11,041 (13.41%). Cleveland's median is -9.29% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $33,204,Cleveland spans $14,230. Athens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($99,428 effective) pays 9.52% more than Athens ($90,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,526)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,386/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,428)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Athens grew 21.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$64,398 (2020) → $78,469 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$67,870 (2020) → $88,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Athens or Cleveland?
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Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a dental hygienist?
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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