Cheyenne vs Rock Springs: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Rock Springs, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cheyenne, WY | Rock Springs, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,430 | $92,679▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.99 | $44.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,950 | $76,538▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,055 | $81,722▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,222▲ | $101,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,426 | $113,995▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rock Springs, WY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cheyenne.
The salary gap between Cheyenne and Rock Springs is $3,249 (3.63%). Rock Springs's median is -9.97% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $40,476,Rock Springs spans $37,457. Cheyenne 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, Rock Springs ($96,742 effective) pays 4.38% more than Cheyenne ($92,682 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cheyenne if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,679/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,995)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,742)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Cheyenne grew 13.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Rock Springs over the same period.
Cheyenne, WY
$75,260 (2020) → $85,220 (2025)
Rock Springs, WY
$68,898 (2020) → $88,316 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cheyenne, WY
Rock Springs, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Cheyenne or Rock Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Rock Springs?
Should I relocate from Cheyenne to Rock Springs as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Cheyenne vs Rock Springs?
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