Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$56,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$51,852 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$45,281 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $56,000 | $77,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,120 | $59,290▲ | -$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,680 | $98,560▲ | -$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,600 | $123,200▲ | -$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,852▲ | $47,531 | +$4,321 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $48,903 | $71,148▲ | -$22,245 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $45,281▲ | $43,919 | +$1,362 |
| Total Employment | 75,000 | 145,000 | -70,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $21,000 more (median: $56,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($51,852 vs $47,531 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.