Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 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 $44,590 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 89.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $120,060 for Dental Hygienists.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
$33,660$120,060
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Dental Hygienists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $66,470 | $-32,810 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $80,060 | $-41,920 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $94,260 | $-44,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $102,920 | $-37,260 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $120,060 | $-39,210 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $93,890 | $-38,630 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
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: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Dental Hygienists?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $44,590 (89.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $80,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $49,670.
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 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Dental Hygienists jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Dental Hygienists to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has a median salary of $49,670 while Dental Hygienists earns $94,260. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS