Brookline vs Springfield: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Brookline, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookline, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,990 | $102,442▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.56 | $49.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,217 | $87,992▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,124 | $100,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,494▲ | $103,754 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,366▲ | $105,087 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookline.
The salary gap between Brookline and Springfield is $1,452 (1.44%). Springfield's median is -0.49% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookline spans $50,149,Springfield spans $17,095. Brookline 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, Springfield ($106,643 effective) pays 14.57% more than Brookline ($93,078 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookline if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,366)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,442/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,643)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Brookline grew 15.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Brookline, MA
$83,506 (2020) → $96,236 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$82,970 (2020) → $97,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookline, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Brookline or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookline and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Brookline to Springfield as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Brookline vs Springfield?
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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