Dental Hygienist Salary Survey 2014
Difficulty in finding a job as a dental hygienist in Washington
Observation: There’s a noteworthy preference in Washington state to describe the job market as being “somewhat difficult” (six percentage points over the national average) than “very difficult” (12 percentage points below the national average).
Length of time since last pay raise in Washington
Observation: This admittedly was a surprise to us. Due to the state’s reputation of offering higher than average salaries, we expected pay raises to be limited. But the third who received one last year is well above the national average of 26%.
Most common hourly pay rates in Washington
$42, $45
Observation: The rates of $46, $47, and $50 an hour were also reported fairly commonly. Overall, the rates varied considerably, ranging from $36 to $51. The metropolitan area around Seattle only had a 34% impact on the above statistics.
Descriptions of pay arrangements based on production or commission
- 25% of what the office earns above quarterly profit goal is split between all team members.
- One third of balance of production that exceeds 3 times the gross salary
- Whichever is higher between hourly rate or percentage for that pay period.
- Hygienists earn a base hourly pay of $37.91 per hour and then an additional monthly production/collection bonus, which is currently averaging another $3 to $4 per hour (decrease from an average of $6 per hour before the 2008 downturn in the economy).
- Flat rate of $462 per 10.5-hour day ($44 per hour), unless hygiene production exceeds $1,700. Then instead I receive 30% of what I produce. Can range from $510 to over $750 on a good day.
