Civil Engineers vs Dental Hygienists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $5,330 more per year than Dental Hygienists professionals — that's 5.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $120,060 for Dental Hygienists.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
$65,920$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Dental Hygienists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $66,470 | $-550 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $80,060 | $-1,270 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $94,260 | +$5,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $102,920 | +$25,370 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $120,060 | +$40,930 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $93,890 | +$13,160 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
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: Civil Engineers or Dental Hygienists?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $5,330 (5.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
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 Civil Engineers and Dental Hygienists jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Dental Hygienists to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 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