Computer Programmers vs Dental Hygienists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $4,410 more per year than Dental Hygienists professionals — that's 4.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $120,060 for Dental Hygienists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
$52,190$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Dental Hygienists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $66,470 | $-14,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $80,060 | $-8,200 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $94,260 | +$4,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $102,920 | +$26,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $120,060 | +$42,030 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $93,890 | +$9,750 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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 Programmers or Dental Hygienists?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $4,410 (4.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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 Computer Programmers and Dental Hygienists jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Dental Hygienists to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 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