Richmond vs Winchester: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Richmond, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,400▲ | $105,612 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.60▲ | $50.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,557▲ | $84,833 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,036▲ | $96,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,862 | $110,922▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,246 | $130,115▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Richmond and Winchester is $3,788 (3.59%). Richmond's median is +6.27% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $25,689,Winchester spans $45,282. Winchester 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, Richmond ($111,795 effective) pays 2.10% more than Winchester ($109,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,400/year)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,795)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,115)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Richmond grew 37.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$75,620 (2020) → $104,250 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$78,660 (2020) → $100,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Richmond or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Winchester as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Richmond vs Winchester?
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