Computer Network Support Specialists vs Dental Hygienists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn $20,920 more per year than Computer Network Support Specialists professionals — that's 28.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Support Specialists earns $124,470 compared to $120,060 for Dental Hygienists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Support Specialists$46,010 – $124,470
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
$46,010$124,470
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Support Specialists | Dental Hygienists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,010 | $66,470 | $-20,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,720 | $80,060 | $-23,340 |
| Median (50th) | $73,340 | $94,260 | $-20,920 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,710 | $102,920 | $-7,210 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,470 | $120,060 | +$4,410 |
| Mean (Average) | $79,610 | $93,890 | $-14,280 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Support Specialists
146,450
employed nationwide
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,670 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $97,200 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $88,980 |
Best Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $135,010 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $131,890 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $121,310 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $120,300 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $118,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Support Specialists or Dental Hygienists?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $20,920 (28.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer Network Support Specialists salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $124,470 (90th percentile), with a median of $73,340.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists?
Dental Hygienists salaries range from $66,470 (10th percentile) to $120,060 (90th percentile), with a median of $94,260.
How many Computer Network Support Specialists and Dental Hygienists jobs are there?
There are approximately 146,450 Computer Network Support Specialists positions and 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Dental Hygienists to Computer Network Support Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Support Specialists has a median salary of $73,340 while Dental Hygienists earns $94,260. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS