Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$65,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$42,763 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$35,838 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $77,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,050 | $59,290▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,200 | $98,560▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $104,000 | $123,200▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $42,763 | $47,531▲ | -$4,768 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,474 | $71,148▲ | -$16,674 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $35,838 | $43,919▲ | -$8,081 |
| Total Employment | 60,000 | 145,000 | -85,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $12,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($42,763 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.