Dental Hygienist Salary in Bennington, VT: $102,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Bennington, VT earns a median $102,099/year (≈ $49.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Bennington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $98,646 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist salary in Bennington is projected to reach a median annual figure of $102,099, slightly below the national average of $102,946. This translates to a salary range from $82,330 at the 10th percentile to $123,509 at the 90th percentile. These figures have been derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions. This adjustment reflects a higher-than-average cost of living in Bennington, with an index of 103.5, which can affect the real purchasing power of salaries in the area. As the job market develops, understanding these financial parameters is crucial for aspiring dental hygienists seeking to thrive in the local healthcare landscape.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($100,950) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,330 | $39.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,502 | $42.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,099 | $49.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,019 | $52.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,509 | $59.38 |
Median Salary Position
0.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bennington
In Bennington, VT, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,179 (2026 est.). At $102,099, the local median is 0.82% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bennington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bennington Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Bennington median: $102,099/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bennington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $106,575 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -0.82% less |
Dental Hygienists in Bennington, VT earn a median of $102,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.20% below the Vermont state average of $106,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bennington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bennington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,099 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,646 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$64,422
2025 BLS Actual
$97,293
2026 Current Est.
$102,099
2020–2027 Growth
+66.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bennington (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $64,422 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,785 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,143 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bennington metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 51.0% from $64,422 (2020) to $97,293 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,143 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,721 (66.31%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,330 – $88,502 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,502 – $102,099 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,099 – $110,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,019 – $123,509 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Bennington
Analyzing the job market in Bennington reveals that there are currently six dental hygienists employed in the area, indicating a relatively stable demand for these professionals. The cost of living index suggests that although salaries may appear competitive, actual purchasing power may not meet expectations due to higher living costs. Dental hygienists in Bennington VT can maximize their pay by considering employment with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland Dental or Aspen, often offering better pay structures and robust benefits compared to solo practices. Additionally, variables such as production-based bonuses linked to patient retention and differing work schedules, such as choosing four-day versus five-day workweeks, can create significant differences in total compensation. Those entering the profession should research these factors and negotiate accordingly to enhance their overall earnings potential in the region's evolving dental hygiene market.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Bennington, VT in 2026?
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Can dental hygienists make $100K in Bennington?
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How much does a dental hygienist make per hour in Bennington?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,293 for dental hygienistsin the Bennington metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov