South Bend vs Terre Haute: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between South Bend, IN and Terre Haute, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | South Bend, IN | Terre Haute, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,733▲ | $83,123 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.70▲ | $39.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,409▲ | $76,239 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,456▲ | $80,185 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,455▲ | $93,932 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,855▲ | $99,305 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 90 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Terre Haute.
The salary gap between South Bend and Terre Haute is $3,610 (4.34%). South Bend's median is -15.75% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Bend spans $19,446,Terre Haute spans $23,066. Terre Haute 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, Terre Haute ($94,676 effective) pays 1.36% more than South Bend ($93,404 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,855)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Terre Haute if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,676)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in South Bend grew 16.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 70.6% growth in Terre Haute over the same period.
South Bend, IN
$71,150 (2020) → $82,650 (2025)
Terre Haute, IN
$46,430 (2020) → $79,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Bend, IN
Terre Haute, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: South Bend or Terre Haute?
What is the hourly rate difference between South Bend and Terre Haute?
Should I relocate from South Bend to Terre Haute as a dental hygienist?
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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