Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$68,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$39,306 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$32,942 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000 | $77,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,360 | $59,290▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,040 | $98,560▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $108,800 | $123,200▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $39,306 | $47,531▲ | -$8,225 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $56,989 | $71,148▲ | -$14,159 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $32,942 | $43,919▲ | -$10,977 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 145,000 | -25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $9,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($39,306 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.