Independence vs Lexington: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Independence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,841 | $84,067▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.87 | $40.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,620▲ | $60,288 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,313 | $82,525▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,812 | $95,842▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,440 | $101,571▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Lexington is $3,226 (3.99%). Lexington's median is -18.34% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $37,820,Lexington spans $41,283. Lexington 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, Independence ($90,527 effective) pays 0.03% more than Lexington ($90,503 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,527)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,067/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,571)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Independence grew 22.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Independence, KY
$62,800 (2020) → $77,035 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$62,550 (2020) → $80,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Independence or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Independence to Lexington as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Independence vs Lexington?
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