Dental Hygienist Salary in Compton, CA: $128,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Compton, CA earns a median $128,663/year (≈ $61.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $113,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compton has a relatively small workforce of just 25 dental hygienists, reflecting a unique niche in its job market. Estimated 2026 figures show a median annual salary of $128,663, substantially higher than the national average of $102,946. This salary range spans from $93,490 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $160,369 at the high end (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, highlight a competitive pay structure that raises questions about job saturation versus growth opportunity in the city. Consequently, dental professionals considering Compton can expect attractive compensation that reflects regional market dynamics and demand for dental hygiene services.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,490 | $44.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,923 | $54.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,663 | $61.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,170 | $67.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,369 | $77.10 |
Median Salary Position
24.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,879 (2026 est.). At $128,663, the local median is 24.98% above the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be above the median
How Compton Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Compton median: $128,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,962 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | +24.98% more |
Dental Hygienists in Compton, CA earn a median of $128,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.98% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,962.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,663 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $113,760 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2020 BLS Actual
$108,965
2025 BLS Actual
$122,606
2026 Current Est.
$128,663
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Compton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $108,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,344 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,552 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,019 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 12.5% from $108,965 (2020) to $122,606 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,054 (23.91%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $93,490 – $112,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,923 – $128,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,663 – $140,170 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,170 – $160,369 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Compton
The local job market for dental hygienists in Compton CA reveals a nuanced picture influenced by a 113.1 cost-of-living index, suggesting that while salaries are attractive, the purchasing power available to residents may vary. Many employers in the area, such as multi-doctor group practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs like Heartland and Aspen), offer salaries at the upper end of the scale, often accompanied by benefits that private practices might lack. Factors such as production-based bonuses tied to performance metrics and differences in work schedules—like the choice between a four-day vs. a five-day workweek—impact the overall compensation landscape. New graduates might find enticing sign-on bonuses offered by DSOs as a means to entice talent. To maximize their earnings, dental hygienists in Compton should consider aligning their careers with larger practices that provide comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Compton, CA in 2026?
Is Compton, CA a good place to work as a dental hygienist?
Can dental hygienists make $100K in Compton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental hygienist salary in Compton?
How much does a dental hygienist make per hour in Compton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $122,606 for dental hygienistsin the Compton 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 Compton 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