Appleton vs Green Bay: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Appleton, WI and Green Bay, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Green Bay, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,110▲ | $96,461 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.61▲ | $46.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,813▲ | $84,687 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,042▲ | $87,677 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,156▲ | $98,853 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,252▲ | $103,041 |
| Total Employed | 240 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Appleton and Green Bay is $4,649 (4.82%). Appleton's median is -1.78% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $21,439,Green Bay spans $18,354. Appleton 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, Appleton ($109,404 effective) pays 5.58% more than Green Bay ($103,626 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,110/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,252)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,404)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Appleton grew 42.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Green Bay over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$67,780 (2020) → $96,350 (2025)
Green Bay, WI
$67,050 (2020) → $91,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Green Bay, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Appleton or Green Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Green Bay?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Green Bay as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Appleton vs Green Bay?
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