Springfield vs Waltham: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Springfield, MA and Waltham, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,442▲ | $101,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.25▲ | $48.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,992▲ | $78,991 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,826▲ | $86,794 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,754 | $114,253▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,087 | $129,433▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waltham is $1,122 (1.11%). Springfield's median is -0.49% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $17,095,Waltham spans $50,442. Waltham 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, Springfield ($106,643 effective) pays 14.20% more than Waltham ($93,382 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,442/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,643)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,433)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Springfield grew 17.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Waltham over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$82,970 (2020) → $97,620 (2025)
Waltham, MA
$83,779 (2020) → $96,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Waltham, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Springfield or Waltham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Waltham?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Waltham as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Springfield vs Waltham?
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