How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make in Wisconsin in 2026?

A typical Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin earns about $46.41 per hour ($96,540 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, that comes to roughly $8,045 a month or $1,857 a week, based on the annual figure. These figures represent typical pay across the state, before accounting for setting or experience.

That's about 2 percent below the national typical pay of $98,100 a year, which places Wisconsin 26th out of 50 states for Dental Hygienist pay. Lower pay in Wisconsin generally tracks a lower cost of living compared with higher-paying states. Around 5,080 Dental Hygienists work across the state, giving a sense of scale for these figures.

Entry-level positions in Wisconsin typically offer around $38.64 an hour, or about $80,370 a year, for those just starting out as Dental Hygienists. Pay tends to move toward the state's typical rate of $46.41 an hour within the first few years on the job. New hygienists in smaller practices or rural areas may start closer to this lower figure.

Experienced Dental Hygienists in Wisconsin often earn upwards of $100,750 a year, and the top 10 percent make over $110,240. The gap between entry-level and top pay runs about $29,870, a wide range for a single profession. Years of experience, practice setting, and city all play a role in where an individual lands within that range.

In 2015, typical pay for Dental Hygienists in Wisconsin stood at $64,030 a year. By 2025, that figure had risen to $96,540, a gain of $32,510, or 51 percent, over the decade. The increase has been steady year over year, with the sharpest jump occurring between 2020 and 2021.

Nationally, typical pay for Dental Hygienists rose 36 percent over the same ten years, meaning Wisconsin's growth outpaced the country as a whole. For someone starting out now, this history shows pay has moved up substantially over time, though past growth is no guarantee of future increases. The trend reflects a profession where pay has consistently kept pace with or exceeded inflation.

Pay runs highest in the St. Paul metro area, which extends into Wisconsin and pays Dental Hygienists $112,630 a year, about 17 percent above the state figure. Madison follows at $100,340 a year, and Sheboygan pays $98,940, both still above the statewide typical. These figures reflect each area's full metro region, not just the city center.

Eau Claire pays the least among Wisconsin's tracked metro areas, at $86,830 a year, putting the spread between the highest- and lowest-paying areas at $25,800. The St. Paul metro area also employs the largest number of Dental Hygienists tracked in this data, at 2,590. Higher pay in metro areas like St. Paul and Madison typically comes with a higher cost of living.

Among neighboring states, Minnesota pays Dental Hygienists the most, at $103,970 a year, about 8 percent higher than Wisconsin. Illinois pays about the same, at $96,670. Iowa and Michigan both pay less, at $84,010 and $83,790, roughly 13 percent below Wisconsin's figure. Dental hygiene licensure can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which can make comparing regional pay useful for those open to relocating.

Dental Hygienists in Wisconsin typically earn $96,540 a year ($46.41 an hour), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025), up 51 percent over the past decade. For specific requirements, check Wisconsin's dental hygiene licensing board or registry page, and review the city-level figures for pay in specific metro areas like Madison, Milwaukee, or Green Bay before deciding where to work.