New DentalPost Industry Salary Report results reveal RDH job satisfaction, compensation, and retention in 2026 

Endeavor Business Media collaborated with DentalPost to conduct their annual Industry Salary Report from August 29 to September 30, 2026. This in-depth overview of the current state of hygiene includes insights on income, emerging trends, job satisfaction—through data gathered from 2,609 registered dental hygienists. As the dental hygiene profession moves further past the disruptions of the pandemic, this survey data signal cautious optimism, but not without a clear call to action for dental practice owners.  

RDH demographics  

• An overwhelming 97% RDH respondents are female and 65% are full-time employees.  

In terms of work:   

• 88% are working in general dental practices  

• 73% are operating out of private practices  

• 11% are in corporate  

• 33% work for a mixed-model financial structure  

• 35% are PPO-based  

Job satisfaction and career  

Retirement  

Practitioners are currently facing the challenge of working with many RDHs who are entering retirement age. 

Out of the hygienists polled:  

• 32% describe their career as “late stage” (20+ years)  

• 24% describe their career as “mid stage” (11-19 years)  

• 16% describe their career as “early” (0-10 years)  

Nearly three in ten RDHs plan to retire before or by 2030. Additionally, over half of all respondents are 45 years or older (25% are aged 46 to 54 and 29% are 55 to 62 years old). The number of hygienists under 45 is slightly lower than those in 2024 (coming in at a four-point decrease).  

Practice loyalty  

Despite the overall staffing concern, many RDHs are loyal to the practice they currently work for. Reflecting results from last year’s survey, one out of five RDHs have been with their current practice for three to four years, with 16% reporting 20+ years. Most (73%) plan to remain in their current role.  

But out of the 27% who are considering changing roles, higher compensation, a better work environment, and better benefits are the three main reasons for seeking employment elsewhere. Unrealistic job expectations and physical body toll are also noted complaints.  

Satisfaction  

71% of RDHs say they are happy with their job, which is a three-point increase from 2024. 22% report feeling neutral, 6% are dissatisfied, and only 1% are very dissatisfied.  

They are primarily motivated by flexible hours, autonomy, and positive interactions with patients and colleagues. According to DentalPost, “using their expertise to transform smiles and lives—and receiving the recognition they’re due for these clinical and business contributions” inspires RDHs the most.  

For future opportunities, they suggest practitioners “foster engagement programs and feedback loops that strengthen belonging and recognition across hygiene teams.”  

Hours  

As for working hours, RDHs are outpacing other dental professionals in reduced office time; only 5% work more than 40 hours a week, 56% have a 32 to 40-hour workweek, and almost half work four days a week. This data mirrors results from the 2024 DentalPost survey.  

Compensation and benefits  

Income  

For RDHs in 2025, DentalPost found that “compared to 2024, average income rose 9% to $72K, and median income rose 4% to $75K. The largest share of hygienists (17%) is making $70,000–$80,000.”  

Out of the hygienists polled, 7% are making over $110k , 6% are making between $100 and $110k, 9% are making between $90 and $100k, and 15% are making between $80 and $90k per year. 

Respondents are slightly more content with their compensation rates than they were in 2024 (a two-point increase), with 52% reporting being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied.” In 2025, 36% report being satisfied and 16% are very satisfied.  

On this data, DentalPost notes that: “These modest across-the-board increases in compensation metrics are good news for hygienists and employers alike, suggesting that interventions to address the persistent dental staff shortage are starting to pay off. There’s still room for improvement, though, when it comes to aligning total rewards with the realities of the job and the people who perform it.”  

Although 7% have never seen a pay raise, 73% of RDHs received one within the past two years and almost half within the last twelve months.  

Benefits  

Benefits and coverage have fluctuated since 2024, with paid holidays, medical, and vision all down 4% while dental and paid continuing education are up (8% and 3% respectively)   

As of right now:  

• 70% of RDHs receive paid vacation  

• 67% have paid holidays  

• 62% have dental coverage.  

Benefits hygienists would like to see most include:  

• 30% want medical coverage  

• 21% want paid continuing education  

• 20% want retirement.  

2026 and beyond  

Although job satisfaction is up and remains high, the hygiene profession is still top-heavy, with veteran hygienists nearing retirement faster than new RDHs are entering the field. Practice owners must implement intentional recruitment, succession planning, and structured career pathways to ensure stability in their dental practice and stave off future staffing shortages.  

At the same time, hygienists still prioritize their flexibility, interpersonal relationships, and recognition of their clinical expertise from fellow dentists. DentalPost concluded that, ultimately, “long-term success will hinge on meeting RDHs’ growing demands for autonomy, recognition, and fair compensation.”  

The annual salary report has become a focal point for many RDHs.” says Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, and chief editor of RDH magazine. “The results provide dental hygienists with an insight into how our profession is managing change.” 

Editor's note: The article appeared in the April/May 2026 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.