Lakewood vs Spokane: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Lakewood, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,483▲ | $122,454 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.28▲ | $58.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,274 | $109,862▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,520 | $113,493▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,279▲ | $124,123 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,712▲ | $129,905 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Lakewood, WA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Spokane is $5,029 (4.11%). Lakewood's median is +23.83% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $74,438,Spokane spans $20,043. Lakewood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($122,032 effective) pays 2.81% more than Lakewood ($118,699 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,483/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,712)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,032)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Lakewood grew 25.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Lakewood, WA
$97,181 (2020) → $121,482 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$87,180 (2020) → $116,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Lakewood or Spokane?
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Should I relocate from Lakewood to Spokane as a dental hygienist?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov