Auburn vs Birmingham: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,478 | $64,779▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.52 | $31.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,448 | $59,805▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,799 | $64,045▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,727 | $73,983▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,724 | $77,729▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $1,301 (2.05%). Birmingham's median is -37.07% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $16,276,Birmingham spans $17,924. Birmingham 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, Auburn ($72,189 effective) pays 2.13% more than Birmingham ($70,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,189)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,729)
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Auburn grew 5.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$57,340 (2020) → $60,490 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$53,110 (2020) → $61,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
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