Dental Hygienist in Akron, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

As a local Akronite who’s watched the healthcare landscape evolve from the old St. Thomas Hospital to the rise of Summa Health’s sprawling campus, I can tell you that Akron offers a stable, predictable market for dental hygienists. It’s not a boomtown like Nashville or Austin, but it’s a solid, affordable place to build a career.

The median salary for a dental hygienist in the Akron-Canton metro area is $85,639/year. At an hourly rate of $41.17/hour, this is a respectable wage, especially considering Akron’s cost of living is 18.2% lower than the national average (Cost of Living Index: 92.8). The national median for this role is $87,530/year, so Akron’s median is slightly below the national figure but remains highly competitive for the Midwest. The local job market is steady, with approximately 377 positions advertised in the metro area at any given time. Looking ahead, the 10-year job growth projection for the region is 9%, which is positive, though not explosive. This growth is driven by an aging population and increased focus on preventive care.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the Akron area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Akron Market
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Often starts in larger corporate groups (like Heartland Dental-owned practices) or community health centers. Expect to work under a seasoned hygienist.
Mid-Level (3-8 years)	$80,000 - $92,000	This is the sweet spot. You can command a higher hourly rate, especially if you have certifications in local anesthesia or nitrous oxide monitoring. Private practices in areas like Fairlawn or Hudson will compete for you.
Senior-Level (9-15 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	Often involves hygienist-led perio therapy programs, mentoring, or managing a hygiene department. These roles are found at major employers like Summa Health or larger multi-specialty groups.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$115,000+	Rare in Akron. Typically involves roles in academia (e.g., teaching at Stark State College’s dental hygiene program), corporate sales/education for a dental supply company, or owning a hygiene-only practice (which requires navigating Ohio’s corporate dentistry laws).

Compared to other Ohio cities, Akron is a mid-tier player. Columbus ($90,150) and Cincinnati ($89,400) have slightly higher medians due to larger corporate and corporate-adjacent dental groups. Cleveland, our neighbor to the north, is virtually tied with Akron. Toledo and Dayton often edge lower. The key advantage for Akron is the combination of a solid salary and a significantly lower cost of living than Columbus or Cincinnati.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget on a median $85,639 salary. This is crucial for understanding your quality of life in Akron.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $7,137/month)

Category	Estimated Cost	Details & Local Insight
Taxes (Federal, FICA, State)	~$1,800 - $2,000	Ohio has a progressive income tax (ranging from 0% to 3.75%). For this salary, expect ~3.75% state tax. Federal tax will vary based on deductions.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$816	This is the citywide average. Insider Tip: You can find nicer 1BRs in safe, walkable neighborhoods like Highland Square or near the University of Akron for ~$900-$1,000.
Utilities (Electric/Heat/Internet)	$200 - $250	Akron winters can be harsh; natural gas heating is common. Budget more for the winter months (Dec-Feb).
Groceries	$350 - $400	Prices are close to the national average. The West Akron Market and local produce stands in Cuyahoga Falls can help stretch your dollar.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Public transit (METRO RTA) is limited for healthcare commutes. This covers a modest car payment and Ohio’s average auto insurance rates.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150 - $300	Many practices offer decent benefits, but you’ll likely have a premium share.
Miscellaneous (Savings, Leisure)	$1,000+	This is where your disposable income lives. After all the above, you’d have roughly $1,800 - $2,000 left for savings, retirement (401k/IRA), and entertainment.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is Akron’s biggest draw. The median home price in the Akron metro is around $180,000 - $220,000. With your $85,639 salary, your monthly mortgage payment for a $200,000 home (with 20% down) would be roughly $1,000 - $1,200 (including taxes and insurance). This is only slightly above the average rent. You would need a down payment, but many local first-time homebuyer programs (through the City of Akron or Ohio Housing Finance Agency) can assist. Neighborhoods like Ellet, Firestone Park, or parts of Cuyahoga Falls offer solid, older homes in safe communities that are very affordable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron’s dental job market is anchored by large healthcare systems, community health networks, and established private practices. Hiring trends are stable; turnover is low, so when a position opens, it’s competitive.

1. Summa Health: The largest employer in the region. Their dental clinics (both hospital-based and community health centers) offer benefits and stability. They often hire hygienists for their SummaCare dental programs. Insider Tip: They value experience with electronic health records (EHR) like Epic, which is used system-wide.
2. Cleveland Clinic Akron General: Part of the massive Cleveland Clinic network. Their dental department focuses on oral health integration with systemic care. They look for hygienists with strong patient communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
3. Community Health Centers (e.g., AxessPointe, AxessPointe, Community Health Center of Greater Akron): These are Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving low-income and underserved populations. They offer excellent benefits, loan repayment programs (through the National Health Service Corps), and a mission-driven environment. Pay is competitive, often close to the median.
4. Heartland Dental-Owned Practices: Heartland is a national DSO (Dental Service Organization) with a significant footprint in Akron. You’ll find many of these practices in suburbs like Fairlawn, Bath, and Macedonia. They often provide structured schedules, CE allowances, and clear career ladders. Hiring is frequent due to their growth model.
5. Private Group Practices (e.g., Dental Wellness of Akron, The Dental Suite): These are often the highest-paying opportunities for experienced hygienists. They look for self-starters who can manage their own schedule and build patient loyalty. Networking locally is key here—most hires are through referrals.
6. Stark State College: While not a direct employer, their Dental Hygiene Program is a major talent pipeline. As an alum or through clinical rotations, you gain local connections that can lead to job offers in the area.
7. MedExpress (Urgent Dental Care): With several locations in the Akron area, these clinics need hygienists for extended hours. It’s a great option for those needing non-traditional schedules.

Getting Licensed in OH

Ohio’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Ohio State Dental Board is the governing body.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (like the one at Stark State College or Stark State’s partner programs).
2. National Board Exams (NBDHE): Pass the written exam. This is a two-part exam (National Board and Regional Clinical).
3. State Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Ohio-specific law exam.
4. Clinical Exam: Pass a regional clinical exam (like the CRDTS or WREB).
5. CPR Certification: Current, from an AHA-approved provider.

Timeline & Costs:

• Timeline: If you’re starting fresh, you’re looking at 2-3 years (2-year program + exam prep and processing). For someone transferring an existing license, it can take 3-6 months for the application to be reviewed and approved.
• Costs:
  • CODA-accredited program tuition (OH public college): $10,000 - $20,000 total.
  • NBDHE Exam: $425
  • Ohio State Dental Board Application Fee: $200
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $75
  • Clinical Exam: $400 - $800
  • Total (excluding tuition): ~$1,100 - $1,500

Insider Tip: Ohio is part of the Dental Hygiene Compact (DHC). If you’re already licensed in a compact state (like Indiana or Kentucky), the process is significantly faster. If not, the standard application is your path.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live in Akron will define your commute and lifestyle. Most dental jobs are in the suburbs, not downtown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for Hygienists
Highland Square	Walkable, artsy, diverse. 10-15 min commute to most West Akron jobs.	$850 - $1,100	Great for young professionals. Close to restaurants, coffee shops, and the University of Akron. Easy access to I-77 for commutes to Fairlawn.
Cuyahoga Falls	Family-friendly, suburban, with a revitalized downtown (The Flats). 15-20 min to most jobs.	$900 - $1,200	Excellent schools, safe, and a great balance of suburb and city. A hub for many private practices. Insider Tip: Look near Front Street for walkability.
Fairlawn	Upscale, commercial hub (Summa Health, malls, corporate offices). 5-15 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,400	The epicenter of healthcare jobs. Very convenient, but pricier. Ideal if you want to be close to work and have a short, predictable drive.
Ellet	Quiet, historic, working-class. 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	Very affordable, with a strong sense of community. Good for saving money or buying a home. Commute is easy via I-76.
Bath/Green	Suburban, quiet, near nature (Cuyahoga Valley National Park). 20-25 min commute.	$950 - $1,300	Best for those who want space and a peaceful environment, don’t mind a slightly longer drive. Good for raising a family.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Akron is a fantastic place for steady career advancement without the intense competition of larger metros.

• Specialty Premiums: While general hygiene pays the median, you can increase your earning potential by $5-$10/hour through certifications. The most lucrative in Ohio are:
  • Local Anesthesia Certification: Allows you to administer local anesthesia. This is a high-demand skill in surgical and perio-focused practices.
  • Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification: Often required for pediatric or sedation dentistry.
  • Coronal Polishing & Fluoride Application: While basic, having extra certifications makes you more versatile.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Leadership: Become a Public Health Hygienist with the Summit County Health Department. This role focuses on community education and school-based programs.
  2. Education: Join the faculty at Stark State College. Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Health Education.
  3. Corporate Sales/Consulting: With Akron being a Midwest hub, dental supply companies (like Patterson Dental, Henry Schein) have regional offices. An experienced hygienist can transition to a clinical sales or education role.
  4. Independent Practice: While challenging due to Ohio’s corporate dentistry laws, a hygienist can own a practice if the supervising dentist is a bona fide employee. This is a complex path but a high-income ceiling.

10-Year Outlook: With 9% projected job growth, the market will remain healthy. The biggest trend is the integration of dental and medical care, especially within large health systems like Summa and Cleveland Clinic. Hygienists who can communicate with other medical providers and understand the oral-systemic link (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) will have a significant edge. The rise of teledentistry for consultations may also create new roles within established groups.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $85,639 salary goes much further here than in Columbus or Cincinnati.	Weather: Winters are gray, cold, and can be long (Nov-Mar). Summers are humid. A seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light might be needed.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: From FQHCs to private groups to large health systems. Not reliant on one industry.	Slower Pace: If you crave a dynamic, fast-growing city with a bustling nightlife, Akron is not that. It’s more of a “quiet achiever.”
Proximity to Major Cities: 30 mins to Cleveland, 20 mins to Canton, 2 hours to Pittsburgh and Columbus. Easy for weekend trips.	Public Transit: You will absolutely need a car. The METRO RTA is not comprehensive for healthcare commutes.
Strong Homeownership Potential: You can realistically buy a home within a few years of starting your career.	Limited Advanced Specialties: You won’t find the same concentration of cutting-edge dental specialty practices as in Cleveland or Columbus.

Final Recommendation:
Akron is an outstanding choice for a dental hygienist who values financial stability, work-life balance, and the ability to build long-term wealth. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the high costs and competition of larger coastal cities. If you’re a practical, community-oriented professional who appreciates the stability of a Midwest town with big-city amenities a short drive away, you will thrive here. It’s less ideal for those who prioritize a vibrant, 24/7 urban nightlife or are seeking the absolute pinnacle of niche dental specialties.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Akron without a car?
No, not practically. While the downtown and University of Akron areas have some walkability and bus routes, the majority of dental offices are in suburban strip malls or professional complexes (e.g., Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls). A reliable car is a necessity.

2. How long does it take to get a job after moving to Akron?
For an out-of-state hygienist with a clean license, the job search can take 1-3 months. The market is stable, not booming, so you must be proactive. Use LinkedIn, contact practices directly, and consider reaching out to staffing agencies like Dental Perspectives (a local firm). Having your Ohio license in hand before you move is a massive advantage.

3. Is the job market saturated?
Not saturated, but competitive. There are 377 jobs in the metro, which is a healthy number for a metro population of 188,692. The key is flexibility. If you’re willing to work in a FQHC (Community Health Center) or in a less glamorous suburb, you’ll find opportunities faster. The most desirable, high-paying private practice jobs in Fairlawn or Hudson can have more applicants.

4. What’s the best way to network with local dentists/hygienists?
Join the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) and attend local meetings (often held at Stark State or the University of Akron). Many dentists and hygienists are active members. Also, consider volunteering at the Stark County Dental Society’s free clinic events—it’s a great way to build your local reputation.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, especially in larger group practices and FQHCs. Many practices offer 3- or 4-day work weeks. This is a common perk in Akron to attract and retain talent. Be upfront about your scheduling needs during interviews. The 9% growth suggests employers are willing to accommodate to fill positions.