Augusta vs Columbus: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Augusta, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,784 | $84,204▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.29 | $40.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,249 | $67,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,096▲ | $68,368 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,852▲ | $87,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,525▲ | $95,642 |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Augusta and Columbus are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Augusta and Columbus is $420 (0.50%). Columbus's median is -18.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $33,276,Columbus spans $28,155. Augusta 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, Columbus ($94,298 effective) pays 3.44% more than Augusta ($91,166 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,525)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,204/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,298)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Augusta grew 34.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.3% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$59,220 (2020) → $79,840 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$59,300 (2020) → $80,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Augusta or Columbus?
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Should I relocate from Augusta to Columbus 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