Lawrence vs Olathe: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,624▲ | $93,898 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.49▲ | $45.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,266 | $73,325▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,357▲ | $80,823 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,324▲ | $102,450 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,700 | $124,374▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Lawrence and Olathe are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Olathe is $726 (0.77%). Lawrence's median is -8.08% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $49,434,Olathe spans $51,049. Olathe 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, Lawrence ($104,097 effective) pays 0.77% more than Olathe ($103,298 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,624/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,097)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,374)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Lawrence grew 19.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$75,300 (2020) → $90,170 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$69,631 (2020) → $89,478 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Lawrence or Olathe?
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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