Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,055 | $137,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.04 | $65.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,606 | $112,160▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,884 | $128,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,020 | $152,793▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,093 | $152,793▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,940▲ | 220 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $7,997 (6.20%). Santa Cruz's median is +33.13% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $84,487,Santa Cruz spans $40,633. Los Angeles 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, Santa Cruz ($124,711 effective) pays 9.74% more than Los Angeles ($113,639 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,793)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,711)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Los Angeles grew 11.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$110,250 (2020) → $122,980 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$120,590 (2020) → $130,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
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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