Dental Hygienist in Allentown, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Allentown Stands

As a local who’s watched Allentown’s healthcare sector evolve, I can tell you that dental hygiene is a solid, stable career here. The city’s metro area, which includes Bethlehem and Easton, has a population of 124,871, creating a steady demand for preventive care. Let’s look at the numbers.

Median Salary: $87,109/year
Hourly Rate: $41.88/hour

Compared to the National Average of $87,530/year, Allentown sits almost exactly at the national benchmark. This is a good sign—it means the local market pays fairly for the profession. When you measure cost of living (Allentown’s index is 98.4 vs. the US average of 100), your dollar goes slightly further than in many other metro areas.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in this region:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Allentown
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$70,000 - $78,000	Often starts in large group practices or public health.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$82,000 - $92,000	Where you’ll find the median salary; common in suburban practices.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$95,000 - $110,000+	Seen in specialty offices (ortho, periodontics) or lead roles in larger clinics.

How Allentown Compares to Other PA Cities:

• Philadelphia: Higher cost of living, salaries can be 5-10% higher, but competition is fierce.
• Pittsburgh: Similar salary range, but a different market—more hospital-integrated jobs.
• Harrisburg: Slightly lower cost of living, salaries often dip below Allentown's median.
• Reading: Closer to Allentown in pay and cost, but with fewer large employers.

Insider Tip: In Allentown, the $87,109 median is most commonly found in well-established private practices in the suburbs (e.g., Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie). Public health roles, while vital, often start closer to the $75,000 range but offer excellent benefits and loan repayment programs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’ve got the $87,109 salary offer. What does life actually look like?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $7,259)
Note: This is an estimate. Use a PA paycheck calculator for specifics.

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Federal & PA Taxes	~$1,300 - $1,500	PA has a flat 3.07% income tax. No local wage tax in Allentown itself.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies by employer. Many dental offices offer 50-70% premium coverage.
Retirement (401k)	$300	Recommended 5% contribution.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,137	Slightly below national average.
Utilities (Est.)	$180 - $220	Electric (PP&L), gas, water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Public transit (LANTA) exists but is limited for suburban commutes.
Food, Gas, Extras	$600 - $800	Groceries, gas (PA has higher gas taxes), personal care.
Monthly Take-Home	$3,800 - $4,300	After taxes and core expenses.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
With a $87,109 salary, you are in a good position. The median home price in the Allentown metro is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000. With your estimated $4,000/month disposable income (after all monthly expenses), saving that amount is aggressive but feasible in 2-3 years if you budget tightly.

For a $224,000 mortgage (after 20% down on a $280k home), your monthly payment (PITI) would be approximately $1,600 - $1,700. This is well within the recommended 28-35% of your gross monthly income. Many hygienists in the area buy homes in suburbs like South Whitehall, Salisbury, or Upper Macungie within 5-7 years of starting their career.

Where the Jobs Are: Allentown's Major Employers

The job market is robust, with 249 jobs in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is 9%, which is solid, driven by an aging population and increased focus on preventive care. Here are the key players:

1. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN): The largest employer. They have dozens of dental clinics, from primary care to specialized oral surgery. Hiring is steady, and they offer strong benefits. Insider Tip: LVHN has a major pediatric dental clinic; this is a great niche if you love working with kids.
2. St. Luke’s University Health Network: The other major hospital system. Their dental departments are growing, particularly in their community health centers. They often have positions in their Bethlehem and Coopersburg locations.
3. Private Group Practices: These are the backbone of the market. Look for large, multi-dentist offices in suburbs like Macungie (Lehigh Valley Dental Group) or Allentown (Allentown Dental Group). They offer high patient volume and often higher pay due to efficiency.
4. Community Health Centers: Organizations like The Health Center or St. Luke’s Community Health play a critical role. These jobs often come with state/federal loan repayment incentives. They serve a diverse, often underserved population, which is incredibly rewarding.
5. Specialty Offices: Orthodontic (Braces), Periodontal (gums), and Oral Surgery offices are prevalent. They pay a premium—often $90,000-$110,000—for hygienists with experience in their specific niche. They are less common but worth targeting.
6. Teaching Institutions: Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) and Penn State Lehigh Valley periodically hire for clinical instructor roles. These are part-time but can be a great add-on for a seasoned hygienist.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift towards electronic health records (EHR) and 3D imaging (like CBCT). Hygienists comfortable with technology have an edge. Practices are also increasingly offering sign-on bonuses ($5,000-$10,000) to attract talent in a competitive market.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania’s licensing is straightforward but requires diligence. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry oversees it.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (e.g., at LCCC, Penn State, or a 4-year university).
2. National Board Exam (NBDHE): Pass the written clinical science exam. Cost: ~$400.
3. Regional Clinical Exam: Pass a live patient clinical exam from one of the regional testing agencies (e.g., CITA). Cost: ~$1,000 - $1,200.
4. State Law Exam: Pass the Pennsylvania Jurisprudence exam. Cost: ~$50.
5. CPR Certification: Must be from an approved provider (AHA, Red Cross). Cost: ~$75.

Total Estimated Initial Cost: $1,500 - $1,700 (excluding tuition and living expenses during school).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re already licensed in another state: Apply for licensure by endorsement. PA is part of the dentistry compact, which can simplify the process. You’ll need your current license in good standing and proof of practice. Processing can take 6-8 weeks.
• If you’re a new grad: The full process can take 4-6 months after graduation (start studying for boards during your final semester). You can work under a temporary license (supervised) while waiting for your permanent one, which is very common.

Pro-Tip: The PA State Board website is your best friend. The application portal is online, but processing times can vary. Start your paperwork 3 months before you plan to move.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Allentown is a city of distinct neighborhoods and suburbs, each with a different vibe and commute.

1. Allentown (West End & Muhlenberg): The city itself. Walkable, diverse, and great for young professionals. You’ll find many private practices here. Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,200. Commute is easy via Hamilton Street or Route 22.
2. South Whitehall (Parkland): A top-tier suburb with excellent schools and a family-friendly feel. Many hygienists live here for the quality of life. Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,500. Commute to practices in Allentown is 15-20 minutes.
3. Bethlehem (South Side): A vibrant, historic area with a younger, artsy vibe. Home to St. Luke’s University Hospital and many dental offices. Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300. Great for balancing work and social life.
4. Macungie: A charming, small borough on the far western edge of the metro. It’s a hub for high-end private dental practices. The trade-off is a longer commute to the hospital systems in Bethlehem/Allentown (25-30 min). Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400.
5. Coopersburg: A quiet, suburban town near Quakertown. It’s a great option if you work for St. Luke’s in Coopersburg or Allentown and want a lower cost of living. Rent (1BR): $1,000 - $1,250.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-78 and Route 22 during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can be significant. If you work at a practice in Macungie and live in Bethlehem, you’ll be against traffic. If you live in Macungie and work in Allentown, you’ll be with it. Choose your commute wisely.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career doesn’t have to end at the chair. In Allentown, there are clear paths for advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthodontic Hygienist: Can earn $5,000-$10,000 above the median due to specialized techniques.
• Periodontal Hygienist: Works closely with a periodontist. Premium is similar to ortho.
• Public Health/Community Health: While base pay may be lower, the loan repayment programs (like the NHSC) can be worth $50,000+ over 2-3 years, making the total compensation package very strong.
• Corporate Dentistry: Large chains (e.g., Heartland, Aspen) exist in the area. Pay can be high, but the pace is intense. It’s a trade-off.

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Director/Hygiene Manager: Oversee a team in a large practice. Requires leadership skills and 5+ years of experience. Pay can reach $95,000+.
• Dental Sales/Marketing: Local dental supply companies (like Patterson Dental, based in the region) hire experienced hygienists for sales roles. This is a commission-based shift away from clinical work.
• Education: As mentioned, part-time teaching at LCCC or giving CE courses.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is projected to continue. The demand will be strongest for hygienists who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and willing to work in non-traditional settings (e.g., mobile dental vans for senior communities, which are growing in the Lehigh Valley).

The Verdict: Is Allentown Right for You?

Allentown offers a balanced career for dental hygienists. It’s not the highest-paying city, but it’s stable, with a reasonable cost of living and a clear path to homeownership. The $87,109 median salary supports a comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Salary meets national average with lower living costs.	Winter weather can be harsh (40-60 inches of snow).
Stable job market with 249 positions and 9% growth.	Heavy car dependency—public transit (LANTA) is limited.
Diverse employer base: hospitals, private practices, community health.	Competitive market for the best-paying jobs in private practice.
Good work-life balance: Most practices have regular hours.	Fewer high-end specialty offices compared to Philadelphia.
Proximity to major cities (Philly, NYC) for weekend trips.	The city itself has areas that are still revitalizing.

Final Recommendation:
Moved to Allentown if: You value a stable, affordable career, want to buy a home within a few years, and prefer a balanced lifestyle over a high-pressure, ultra-competitive environment. It’s an excellent choice for new grads and mid-career hygienists alike.

Consider another city if: You prioritize maximum salary potential (look to NYC or DC) or want a major urban, walkable downtown experience (look to Philadelphia).

FAQs

Q: I’m licensed in New Jersey. How hard is it to get licensed in PA?
A: Pennsylvania is part of the Dentistry Licensure Compact. If your NJ license is active and in good standing, the process is streamlined. You’ll still need to apply through the PA State Board, but you may not need to retake clinical exams. Expect a 6-8 week processing time.

Q: Are there part-time opportunities in Allentown?
A: Yes. Many private practices offer part-time schedules (2-3 days/week), which is popular for hygienists with families. Community health centers also have flexible, often part-time, roles. It’s a great way to supplement income or ease into retirement.

Q: What’s the typical work schedule?
A: Most private practices operate Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with occasional late evenings. Hospital-based roles may follow clinic hours. Avoided weekends are the norm, though some emergency or specialty offices may offer Saturday hours for a premium.

Q: How do I stand out in the Allentown job market?
A: 1) Get certified in local anesthesia (PA allows it, and many offices require it). 2) Be proficient with digital charting (Dentrix, Eaglesoft). 3) Consider getting a certification in a specialty like orthodontics or periodontal therapy. 4) Network with local hygienists through the Philadelphia Dental Hygienists’ Association (which covers the Lehigh Valley).

Q: Is Allentown family-friendly for hygienists?
A: Absolutely. The suburbs (South Whitehall, Salisbury, Macungie) are known for excellent school districts. The $87,109 salary supports a family lifestyle comfortably, especially with dual-income households. Many hygienists here have families and report a good work-life balance.