Modesto vs Sacramento: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Modesto, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,031▲ | $128,593 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.51▲ | $61.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,560 | $125,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,947 | $128,289▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,470▲ | $132,917 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,242▲ | $133,914 |
| Total Employed | 390 | 2,200▲ |
Verdict
Modesto, CA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Modesto and Sacramento is $1,438 (1.12%). Modesto's median is +26.31% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $31,682,Sacramento spans $8,280. Modesto 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, Modesto ($124,900 effective) pays 3.61% more than Sacramento ($120,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,242)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,900)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Modesto grew 20.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$102,480 (2020) → $123,910 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$103,220 (2020) → $122,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Modesto or Sacramento?
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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