Dental Hygienist Salary in Superior, WI: $96,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Superior, WI earns a median $96,344/year (≈ $46.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Superior's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $103,152 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Superior, Wisconsin, the employment of dental hygienists is modest, with approximately seven professionals currently practicing in the area. Despite this limited workforce, the projected median annual salary for a dental hygienist in Superior is $96,344 as of 2026, which represents a notable figure within the local market. The salary range extends from $77,995 at the 10th percentile to $123,452 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse spectrum of pay that reflects individual experience and workplace settings. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, they remain slightly below the national median of $102,946. This dynamic hints at potential growth opportunities in the local job market, particularly in the face of evolving dental practices and service delivery models.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,995 | $37.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,212 | $40.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,344 | $46.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,402 | $51.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,452 | $59.35 |
Median Salary Position
6.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
In Superior, WI, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,457 (2026 est.). At $96,344, the local median is 6.41% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Superior: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Superior Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Superior median: $96,344/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Superior Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $100,673 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -6.41% less |
Dental Hygienists in Superior, WI earn a median of $96,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,673.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Superior has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Superior, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $96,344 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,152 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2020 BLS Actual
$67,545
2025 BLS Actual
$91,809
2026 Current Est.
$96,344
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Superior (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $67,545 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,184 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,792 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,809 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,104 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Superior metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 35.9% from $67,545 (2020) to $91,809 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,104 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,559 (49.68%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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) | $77,995 – $84,212 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,212 – $96,344 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,344 – $107,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,402 – $123,452 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Superior
Examining the landscape of dental hygienist pay in Superior, WI, reveals important considerations for professionals in the field. With only seven dental hygienists employed locally, this market might be perceived as somewhat saturated; however, the relatively affordable cost of living, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 93.4, enhances purchasing power for those in the profession. Private practices tend to offer lower wages compared to multi-doctor group practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often provide incentives like sign-on bonuses and comprehensive benefits. The spread between low and high pay is influenced by factors such as production-based bonuses, the structure of work schedules, and the benefits offered by different employers. To maximize earnings, dental hygienists in Superior should consider positioning themselves within DSOs or group practices, which typically offer more competitive packages and could result in significantly enhanced financial outcomes over time.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
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
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 $91,809 for dental hygienistsin the Superior 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 Superior 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