Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$77,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$47,531 vs $43,210
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$43,919 vs $37,930
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $77,000▲ | $70,000 | +$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290▲ | $53,900 | +$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,560▲ | $89,600 | +$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200▲ | $112,000 | +$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $47,531▲ | $43,210 | +$4,321 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,148▲ | $61,446 | +$9,702 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $43,919▲ | $37,930 | +$5,989 |
| Total Employment | 145,000 | 105,000 | +40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $7,000 more (median: $77,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($47,531 vs $43,210 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.