Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$49,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$54,444 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$48,722 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $49,000 | $77,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,730 | $59,290▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,720 | $98,560▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,400 | $123,200▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $54,444▲ | $47,531 | +$6,913 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $43,850 | $71,148▲ | -$27,298 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $48,722▲ | $43,919 | +$4,803 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 145,000 | -107,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $28,000 more (median: $49,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($54,444 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.