Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$52,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$51,485 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$44,837 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $52,000 | $77,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,040 | $59,290▲ | -$19,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,560 | $98,560▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,200 | $123,200▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,485▲ | $47,531 | +$3,954 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $45,285 | $71,148▲ | -$25,863 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,837▲ | $43,919 | +$918 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 145,000 | -110,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $25,000 more (median: $52,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($51,485 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.