Ellensburg vs Kennewick: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,082 | $128,531▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.18 | $61.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,295 | $105,360▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,996 | $113,881▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,977 | $132,655▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,837 | $154,083▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ellensburg.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Kennewick is $5,449 (4.43%). Kennewick's median is +24.85% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellensburg spans $49,542,Kennewick spans $48,723. Ellensburg 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, Kennewick ($128,430 effective) pays 12.07% more than Ellensburg ($114,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellensburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,083)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,430)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Ellensburg grew 25.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$93,826 (2020) → $117,288 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$95,610 (2020) → $122,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Ellensburg or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Kennewick as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Ellensburg vs Kennewick?
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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