Dental Hygienist Pay

Phoenix vs Sedona: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)

Compare dental hygienist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Sedona, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$107,584
$51.72/hr
Sedona, AZ
$96,592
$46.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSedona, AZ
Median Salary$107,584$96,592
Hourly Rate$51.72$46.44
Entry Level (P10)$100,753$74,482
25th Percentile$104,321$87,228
75th Percentile$113,209$105,325
Top Earner (P90)$127,932$118,852
Total Employed3,2405
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($107,584) and Sedona ($96,592) dental hygienist salaries.PhoenixSedonaMedian Salary$107,584$96,592Entry Level (P10)$100,753$74,482Top Earner (P90)$127,932$118,852US Median $102,946

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sedona.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Sedona is $10,992 (11.38%). Phoenix's median is +4.51% compared to the US national median of $102,946.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $27,179,Sedona spans $44,370. Sedona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$100,753
P25$104,321
Median$107,584
P75$113,209
P90 (Top)$127,932
Sedona
P10 (Entry)$74,482
P25$87,228
Median$96,592
P75$105,325
P90 (Top)$118,852

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($104,131 effective) pays 6.19% more than Sedona ($98,063 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $107,584
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $104,131
Sedona
Nominal: $96,592
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $98,063

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,584/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,932)
  • Larger job market (3,240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,131)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sedona if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Phoenix grew 20.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Sedona over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+20.4%

$85,170 (2020) → $102,520 (2025)

Sedona, AZ

+15.0%

$80,030 (2020) → $92,045 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental hygienists more: Phoenix or Sedona?

Phoenix has a higher median dental hygienist salary at $107,584/year, compared to Sedona at $96,592/year — a difference of $10,992 (11.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sedona?

Phoenix dental hygienists earn $51.72/hr while Sedona hygienists earn $46.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Sedona as a dental hygienist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Sedona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $104,131, Sedona = $98,063), job availability (3,240 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Phoenix vs Sedona?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental hygienists earn $100,753 in Phoenix and $74,482 in Sedona. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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