Salary
Average Salary: $51,000
Expected Lifetime Earnings: $2,129,148
The average dental hygienist clears about $71,000—and that's working part time.
If you work in big cities in California—which is the smile capital of the world, apparently—you'll be making over $100,000 (source).
The pay will fluctuate depending on where you live and how many other hygienists are competing for jobs. While everyone needs teeth cleaning services, not everyone can pay top dollar for it. Dental hygienists can make about $33 an hour, although that can dip as low as $24 an hour and scale as high as $42 an hour, with overtime at $61 an hour. This gives a range of about $45,000 to $88,000 (source).
That means, you'll be making considerably more than dental assistants, lab techs, and even registered nurses. All to scrape, floss, and paint teeth.
The only ones who make more than you in your office are likely the dentists and the orthodontists. Remember though, you don't have their massive student loans to repay.
Of course you'll have to spend some money for dental hygiene school and board certification. However, you'll only need an associate degree for the job, which typically takes between two and three years. The length depends on whether the school wants you to take a year of general education classes before applying to the hygienist's program.
The average dental hygiene program costs around $30,000. Junior colleges that offer hygienist programs can be a lot cheaper, especially for locals. Some junior colleges cost as low as $10,000 for a two-year degree and certification. Of course, if you prefer spending oodles of money, you can go to USC's two year program for $94,000—your choice (source).
If you want to teach dental hygiene or work in a school, then you'll need at least a bachelor's degree.
Whether you get your certification at a junior college, a fancy four-year university dental school, an online program, or if you go all the way and get a master's degree, you can still work in the field cleaning teeth and make pretty much the same money. Just make sure to go to an accredited program and pass the test for your license (source).