Bellingham vs Seattle: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,018 | $140,347▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.98 | $67.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,044 | $133,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,012 | $139,413▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,038 | $168,103▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,074 | $170,895▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 3,500▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Seattle is $9,329 (7.12%). Seattle's median is +36.33% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $45,030,Seattle spans $36,971. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($126,791 effective) pays 0.40% more than Seattle ($126,287 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,791)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,347/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,895)
- ✓Larger job market (3,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bellingham grew 29.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$96,660 (2020) → $124,850 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$99,640 (2020) → $133,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bellingham or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Seattle as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bellingham vs Seattle?
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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