Allentown vs Wilkes-Barre: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Allentown, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,114▲ | $82,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.40▲ | $39.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,042▲ | $63,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,798▲ | $70,304 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,738▲ | $90,339 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,432 | $102,782▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Allentown and Wilkes-Barre is $3,147 (3.79%). Allentown's median is -16.35% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $20,390,Wilkes-Barre spans $38,967. Wilkes-Barre 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, Allentown ($86,142 effective) pays 1.13% more than Wilkes-Barre ($85,182 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,114/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,142)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,782)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Allentown grew 12.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$72,890 (2020) → $82,060 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$71,907 (2020) → $79,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Allentown or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Allentown to Wilkes-Barre as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Allentown vs Wilkes-Barre?
Related Comparisons
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