Dental Hygienist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$81,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Dental Hygienist Jobs in Philadelphia

Looking for a Dental Hygienist job in Philadelphia? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Dental Hygienist in Philadelphia, PA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Philadelphia has a strong job market for Dental Hygienists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$56,355
Median
$81,600
Senior Level
$111,435

Dental Hygienist salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Dental CleaningPatient EducationX-raysPeriodontal CareInfection Control

Dental Hygienist Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Dental Hygienist professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Dental Hygienist talent. The market for Dental Hygienist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

What it's like to job-hunt for Dental Hygienist roles in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Healthcare sector is one of the leading employers of Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania. With approximately 1,584,064 residents in the metro area, the Dental Hygienist job market here is shaped by long-established firms in Healthcare and Education alongside a growing roster of newer entrants.

Dental Hygienist salaries in Philadelphia center around $81,600 per year. The local cost-of-living index of 102 sits close to the national average, so the salary's real purchasing power is essentially what the headline number suggests. This makes Philadelphia an attractive market for Dental Hygienist candidates relocating from higher-cost coastal cities.

Dental Hygienist demand in Philadelphia has been relatively stable over the past 2-3 years. Net hiring is largely backfill-driven rather than expansion, which means each opening is more competitive but also more durable. Senior candidates with established local networks have the strongest advantage.

Hybrid arrangements have become the norm for Dental Hygienist roles in Philadelphia, with most employers expecting 2-4 days per week in the office. Fully remote variants exist but are usually reserved for senior or specialized hires. Junior candidates should expect to be on-site most of the week.

Core skills that consistently show up in Philadelphia Dental Hygienist postings include Dental Cleaning, Patient Education, X-rays, and Periodontal Care. Candidates whose resumes lead with measurable outcomes against these specific skills (project counts, quantified impact, recognized certifications) tend to move through screening faster than those leading with general experience claims.

Philadelphia's Dental Hygienist hiring market rewards targeted, well-researched applications more than mass outreach. Identify 15-20 employers actively hiring, tailor your resume to each posting's exact language, and pair that with a direct LinkedIn connection request to the hiring manager when possible.

Top Companies Hiring Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia

Penn MedicineJefferson HealthTemple HealthChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia

Major employers hiring Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Philadelphia offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Dental Hygienist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Dental Hygienist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Dental Hygienist in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Dental Hygienist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Dental Hygienists

The job outlook for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Dental Cleaning, Patient Education, X-rays, Periodontal Care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Dental Hygienist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $81,600 per year. Entry-level Dental Hygienists typically start around $56,355, while experienced professionals can earn $111,435 or more. The national average for Dental Hygienist roles is $80,000.

How many Dental Hygienist jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Dental Hygienist professionals. Major employers hiring Dental Hygienists include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Dental Hygienists?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Dental Hygienists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia include Dental Cleaning, Patient Education, X-rays, Periodontal Care, Infection Control. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Dental Hygienists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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