Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Salt Lake City, UT and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$54,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$48,214 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$42,479 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $77,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $59,290▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $98,560▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $123,200▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $48,214▲ | $47,531 | +$683 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $47,576 | $71,148▲ | -$23,572 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $42,479 | $43,919▲ | -$1,440 |
| Total Employment | 45,000 | 145,000 | -100,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($48,214 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.