Riverside vs Modesto: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Riverside, CA and Modesto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,953 | $130,031▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.34 | $62.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,186 | $108,560▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,770 | $112,947▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,568 | $134,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,211 | $140,242▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,860▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Modesto, CA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Modesto is $19,078 (17.19%). 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 Riverside spans $26,025,Modesto spans $31,682. Modesto 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, Modesto ($124,900 effective) pays 19.82% more than Riverside ($104,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Riverside grew 6.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Modesto over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$99,380 (2020) → $105,730 (2025)
Modesto, CA
$102,480 (2020) → $123,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Modesto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Riverside or Modesto?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Modesto?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Modesto as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Riverside vs Modesto?
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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