Average Dental Hygienists Salary in Lafayette, LA
Dental Hygienists in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $75,680. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,050, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Dental Hygienists and a Location Quotient of 0.98, Lafayette, LA, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (1.399) indicates a steady presence, suggesting consistent demand without overwhelming competition, making it a reliable environment for practitioners.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Hygienists in Lafayette, LA earns-19.5%below the national average.
$36.4
$1,455
$6,307
Dental Hygienists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette, LA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Dental Hygienists over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and increasing demand for dental care typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for skilled healthcare professionals.
Dental Hygienists Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
The salary trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lafayette, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $40,270 | $19.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $56,760 | $27.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $82,270 | $39.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $94,600 | $45.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $97,710 | $47 |
Detailed Dental Hygienists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $75,680 in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Hygienist's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.399
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.98x the national average concentration of Dental Hygienists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates that Lafayette, LA, has a concentration of Dental Hygienists that is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of professionals closely matches the demand, making it neither overly saturated nor experiencing a significant shortage.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Dental Hygienists Salary | $85,440↑ 13% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $69,600↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $68,010↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $75,130↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Dental Hygienists Salary | $77,930↑ 3% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Dental Hygienistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienists make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in Lafayette, LA is $75,680. This typically ranges from $40,270 for entry-level positions to $97,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 19.5% lower than the national median of $94,050.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Dental Hygienists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $75,680 is solid, it falls below the national average of $94,050. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Dental Hygienists?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($85,440) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for a Dental Hygienist in Lafayette, LA, is $75,680.
How does the Lafayette, LA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lafayette, LA ($75,680) is lower than the national average salary for Dental Hygienists ($94,050).
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette, LA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Dental Hygienists work in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 250 Dental Hygienists employed in Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 1.399 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Hygienists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA