Dental Hygienists vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn $31,290 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 49.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Dental Hygienists earns $120,060 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$120,060
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Dental Hygienists | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $66,470 | $40,670 | +$25,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,060 | $48,860 | +$31,200 |
| Median (50th) | $94,260 | $62,970 | +$31,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,920 | $81,900 | +$21,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,060 | $105,150 | +$14,910 |
| Mean (Average) | $93,890 | $69,940 | +$23,950 |
Employment Numbers
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $100,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,890 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $97,020 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $90,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $87,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Dental Hygienists or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $31,290 (49.7% 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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries range from $40,670 (10th percentile) to $105,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,970.
How many Dental Hygienists and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions and 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters to Dental Hygienists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Dental Hygienists has a median salary of $94,260 while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. 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