How much do temp dental hygienists make?

    Temp hygienists earn a decent salary, considering they work part-time. The average annual pay for a temp dental hygienist in the U.S was $74,820. The best-paid earned about $101,820, and the bottom 10 percent earned $51,970.  Salaries for temp hygienists vary depending on several factors, including but not limited to geographical location, type of employer (i.e., private or NHS), and experience.

    Temp dental hygienists median annual wages by State

    Like we have mentioned, temp dental hygienist salaries vary slightly according to State they are practicing in. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Alaska’s dental hygienists earn the highest salary at $114,320, followed closely by California’s dental hygienists who take home an average of $100,830, and Washington State’s hygienists who earn $90,690 on average. An RDH practicing in Arizona and New Jersey make an annual median salary of $85,890, and $85,860, respectively. 

    The good thing about temping as a dental hygienist

    Hygienists who thrive in this kind of setting are adaptable, hate monotony, and find challenges exciting. Every team and every office is different, and some professionals just love a change of scenery. However, the two most evident benefits of working as a temp include:

    • The boost to your income
    • The control and flexibility involved. 

    There are weekend and weeknight hours at most practices as well as the chance to work part-time. In short, temp hygienists only have to accept jobs they are available and willing to take.  

    So, is becoming a hygienist worth it?

    Hygienists enjoy a comfortable salary; however, is it enough to justify going to school to become one?  

    Yes, it is.

    You only need an associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an institution accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to become a hygienist. Programs only take 2-3 years to complete. Afterward, you get licensed by your state and start practicing. That’s it!


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