IA · Iowa City · Updated October 15, 2026

Dental Hygienist jobs in Iowa City, IA

Dental Hygienists in the Iowa City area earn a median of $41.81 per hour, about $86,960 a year, and the middle half of them earn between $38.32 and $44.48. That ranks 144th of 369 U.S. metro areas for dental hygienist pay, and 104th of 332 once local prices are factored in. Your free pay report adds named employers and the roles open near Iowa City.

Dental Hygienist pay in Iowa City, IA

The metro median is 5% above the Iowa statewide median of $39.79 per hour. Nationally the median is $45.32 per hour. BLS counts about 140 dental hygienists employed in the Iowa City metro area, 1.5 per 1,000 jobs. Employment is about as concentrated here than in the country as a whole (location quotient 1.03).

LevelPer hourPer yearCompared with U.S.
Lowest 10%$37.71$78,44017% below U.S. median
Lower quartile$38.32$79,71015% below U.S. median
Median$41.81$86,9608% below U.S. median
Upper quartile$44.48$92,5202% below U.S. median
Top 10%$45.61$94,8701% above U.S. median

How Iowa City ranks

  • 144th of 369 U.S. metro areas by median hourly pay
  • 104th of 332 after adjusting for local prices
  • 2nd of 8 Iowa metro areas

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292), all industries. This is what employers report paying, not an offer for a specific role.

What your pay buys in Iowa City

  • Overall prices in Iowa City run 8% below the U.S. average (index 91.5, U.S. = 100).
  • Housing is the biggest driver: 16% below the U.S. average (index 84.0).
  • Adjusted for local prices, a $41.81 median hour buys what $45.69 buys at the national price level, 1% above the national median.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024. Prices are for the metro area, not for a single neighborhood.

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Named employers near Iowa City, what they pay and the roles open now. Free for candidates, email only.

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Estimate your Iowa City paycheck

Estimated weekly gross$1,505
  • Per year: $75,258
  • Per month: $6,272

Gross pay before taxes and benefits, from BLS pay levels for the Iowa City metro area. For take-home pay use the take-home pay calculator.

Dental health shortage areas in Johnson County

HRSA lists 1 active dental health shortage designation that include Johnson County (1 population-group). The highest-scoring one rates 19 on a 0 to 26 scale, where a higher score means a greater shortage.

Shortage areas are where demand for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants is greatest. Federal loan repayment programs such as the NHSC and Nurse Corps cover some clinicians who work at eligible shortage-area sites. Eligibility is set by each program and by the site, so ask your recruiter before you plan around it.

Source: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas data warehouse, designated areas only. A designation can cover part of a county.

Dental Hygienist pay in nearby cities

CityDistanceMedian payPopulation
Cedar Rapids, IA23 mi$38.69/hr137,904
Davenport, IA48 mi$38.13/hr100,938
Waterloo, IA72 mi$37.88/hr67,477
Dubuque, IA72 mi$38.26/hr58,987
Ankeny, IA107 mi$44.67/hr76,727
Des Moines, IA108 mi$44.67/hr213,096

Dental Hygienist jobs in Iowa · Dental Hygienist jobs nationwide

License and tax basics in Iowa

Active dental hygiene license in the state of the job. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what Iowa requires for your role with the Iowa licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date.

Iowa taxes wage income. Use your own rates in the take-home pay calculator.

Iowa state guide

Other healthcare roles in Iowa City

Iowa City city guide: hospitals, employers and licensing

Common questions

How much do dental hygienists make in Iowa City, IA?

Dental Hygienists in the Iowa City metro area have a median pay of $41.81 per hour, about $86,960 a year. The middle half earn between $38.32 and $44.48 per hour (BLS, May 2024).

Is Iowa City a good place for dental hygienists once cost of living is counted?

Iowa City ranks 104th of 332 metro areas for dental hygienist pay after adjusting for local prices, and 144th of 369 before adjusting. Overall prices run 8% below the U.S. average.

Do I need a Iowa license to work in Iowa City as a dental hygienist?

Active dental hygiene license in the state of the job. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what Iowa requires for your role with the Iowa licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date. Confirm with the board before you accept a role.

Is Iowa City in a shortage area?

HRSA lists 1 active dental health shortage designation that include Johnson County. Shortage areas often have more openings, and some loan repayment programs cover clinicians who work at eligible sites.

Does Valorem Health place dental hygienists in Iowa City?

Yes. We place healthcare staff in Iowa City and across Iowa. Tell us your profession and we email the roles open near Iowa City.

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What do employers near Iowa City pay dental hygienists? Get the report.

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Pay report · Hygienist near Iowa City, IA
Valorem Health Shift ReportFrom your recruiting team · [email protected]

Your Hygienist pay reportTop-paying employers shown · your Iowa list by name comes with the full report

1Pay for your role at other employers

  • PDS HealthEverett, WA · 3 postings$77.50/ hr$70–$85
  • PDS HealthPortland, OR · 3 postings$69.00/ hr$58–$80
  • Smile BrandsBonney Lake, WA · 11 postings$68.50/ hr$52–$72
  • BenevisVirginia Beach, VA · 5 postings$65.00/ hr$60–$70

Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published. Request your Iowa list

2What they are offering now

Low$39Median$54.00High$65

345 Hygienist postings with published pay in the US, 190 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.

3Open Hygienist roles

Open Hygienist roles near Iowa City, IA, each with pay, shift and start date, arrive with your report.

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