Columbia vs Lexington: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,439▲ | $82,344 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.56▲ | $39.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,144▲ | $64,001 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,224▲ | $69,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,579▲ | $87,336 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,758 | $97,358▲ |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $4,095 (4.97%). Columbia's median is -16.03% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $29,614,Lexington spans $33,357. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($92,288 effective) pays 2.55% more than Lexington ($89,993 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,439/year)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,288)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,358)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Columbia grew 39.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$59,080 (2020) → $82,370 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$57,867 (2020) → $78,468 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Columbia or Lexington?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington 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