Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Dental Hygienists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $46,650 more per year than Dental Hygienists professionals — that's 49.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $120,060 for Dental Hygienists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
$66,470$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Dental Hygienists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $66,470 | +$14,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $80,060 | +$22,650 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $94,260 | +$46,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $102,920 | +$78,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $120,060 | +$112,060 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $93,890 | +$58,420 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $232,120 |
| Richmond, VA | $231,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $191,880 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $169,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $168,820 |
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: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Dental Hygienists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $46,650 (49.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries range from $80,670 (10th percentile) to $232,120 (90th percentile), with a median of $140,910.
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 Computer and Information Research Scientists and Dental Hygienists jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Dental Hygienists to Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer and Information Research Scientists has a median salary of $140,910 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