Albany vs Rochester: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,873▲ | $98,276 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.46▲ | $47.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,868 | $84,256▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,303▲ | $85,442 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,259▲ | $99,158 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,127▲ | $99,861 |
| Total Employed | 730 | 940▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $4,597 (4.68%). Albany's median is -0.07% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $25,259,Rochester spans $15,605. Albany 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, Albany ($103,321 effective) pays 2.02% more than Rochester ($101,279 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,873/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,127)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,321)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Albany grew 41.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 48.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$69,390 (2020) → $98,030 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$62,970 (2020) → $93,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Albany or Rochester?
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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