Boston vs Chelsea: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,028▲ | $103,168 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.45▲ | $49.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,595▲ | $80,864 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,345▲ | $88,295 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,097▲ | $111,038 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,378 | $125,294▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,150▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $3,860 (3.74%). Boston's median is +3.97% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $22,783,Chelsea spans $44,430. Chelsea 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, Boston ($98,857 effective) pays 3.97% more than Chelsea ($95,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,028/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,857)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,294)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Boston grew 18.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$86,450 (2020) → $101,990 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$85,307 (2020) → $98,311 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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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