Rochester vs Utica: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Rochester, NY and Utica, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Utica, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,276 | $100,197▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.24 | $48.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,256▲ | $83,154 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,442 | $85,579▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,158 | $104,688▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,861 | $107,794▲ |
| Total Employed | 940▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Utica, NY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Utica is $1,921 (1.95%). Utica's median is -2.67% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $15,605,Utica spans $24,640. Utica 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, Utica ($108,113 effective) pays 6.75% more than Rochester ($101,279 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Utica if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,197/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,794)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,113)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Rochester grew 48.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 38.0% growth in Utica over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$62,970 (2020) → $93,650 (2025)
Utica, NY
$69,170 (2020) → $95,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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