Dental Hygienists vs Lawyers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Lawyers professionals earn $56,900 more per year than Dental Hygienists professionals — that's 60.4% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
Lawyers$72,780 – N/A
$66,470$120,060
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Dental Hygienists | Lawyers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $66,470 | $72,780 | $-6,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,060 | $99,760 | $-19,700 |
| Median (50th) | $94,260 | $151,160 | $-56,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,920 | $215,420 | $-112,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,060 | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $93,890 | $182,760 | $-88,870 |
Employment Numbers
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Lawyers
747,750
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Lawyers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $215,090 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $205,900 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $203,450 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $194,740 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $191,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Dental Hygienists or Lawyers?
Lawyers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $56,900 (60.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Lawyers?
Lawyers salaries range from $72,780 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $151,160.
How many Dental Hygienists and Lawyers jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions and 747,750 Lawyers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Lawyers to Dental Hygienists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Dental Hygienists has a median salary of $94,260 while Lawyers earns $151,160. 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