Richmond vs Roanoke: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Richmond, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,400▲ | $103,418 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.60▲ | $49.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,557▲ | $83,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,036▲ | $99,368 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,862▲ | $107,647 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,246 | $128,016▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Richmond and Roanoke is $5,982 (5.78%). Richmond's median is +6.27% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $25,689,Roanoke spans $44,043. Roanoke 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, Richmond ($111,795 effective) pays 1.20% more than Roanoke ($110,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,400/year)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,795)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,016)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Richmond grew 37.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 34.5% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$75,620 (2020) → $104,250 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$73,270 (2020) → $98,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Richmond or Roanoke?
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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