According to the U.S. News & World Report, a dentist can expect to make around $158,000, while those in certain states can even see salaries in the $200,000 range. But becoming a dentist requires a lot of time — also according to the U.S. News & World Report, dental school takes about four years to complete. So if you are interested in dentistry, but don't want to spend the next few years in school, becoming a dental hygienist is a great option.
According to The Balance Careers, the median salary for a dental hygienist is about $74,070, but depending on where you live and your skill level, you can make a lot more than the average. Dental hygienists who live in Alaska make six figures, with the mean salary coming in at $107,190, per Forbes. Other high-paying states include California, Washington, Maryland, and New Mexico. And a good salary isn't the only perk of this career. The U.S. News & World Report noted that the job outlook for dental hygienists is also great. Between 2020 and 2030, there should be an 11% increase in dental hygiene positions, which accounts for over 23,000 additional jobs.
