Atlanta vs Athens: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,328▲ | $85,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.64▲ | $41.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,148▲ | $68,064 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,808▲ | $81,486 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,626▲ | $96,828 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,009▲ | $98,119 |
| Total Employed | 4,710▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Athens is $19,456 (22.66%). Atlanta's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $34,861,Athens spans $30,055. Atlanta 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, Atlanta ($105,267 effective) pays 14.43% more than Athens ($91,996 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,009)
- ✓Larger job market (4,710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,267)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Atlanta grew 45.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -11.1% growth in Athens over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$69,110 (2020) → $100,370 (2025)
Athens, GA
$92,050 (2020) → $81,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Atlanta or Athens?
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Should I relocate from Atlanta to Athens 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