The Dental Hygienist's Guide to Hollywood, FL: A Local's Perspective

So, you're thinking about making Hollywood, Florida, your home and career base. As someone who knows this stretch of Broward County intimately, let me give you the straight talk. Hollywood isn't the neon-drenched, high-rise jungle of Miami to the south, nor is it the sleepy retirement communities of Palm Beach to the north. It's a working city—a sprawling, diverse, and surprisingly affordable coastal town with a deep history and a relentless growth engine. For a dental hygienist, this translates into a robust, competitive job market with a cost of living that, while rising, still presents a viable path to a comfortable life.

This guide is built on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Florida Board of Dentistry, and the lived reality of being a professional in this specific metro area. Let's break down exactly what your life as a Dental Hygienist in Hollywood looks like.

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

First, the numbers. The financial reality of your career here is shaped by a strong local market. Hollywood's dental hygiene salaries are competitive, often edging out the state and national averages thanks to a high concentration of private practices and a growing population that prioritizes cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

• Median Salary: $90,628/year
• Hourly Rate: $43.57/hour
• National Average: $87,530/year
• Jobs in Metro: 307
• 10-Year Job Growth: 9%

This $90,628 median is a solid anchor point. It's above the $87,530 national average, signaling that the local demand for skilled hygienists is strong. The 9% projected job growth over the next decade outpaces many other professions, indicating a stable long-term outlook.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will climb with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Hollywood market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $82,000	Focus on mastering clinical skills, patient rapport, and practice management software. Starting salaries often include a base rate with production bonuses.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	This is where you hit the median. You're efficient, can handle complex cases, and may take on mentoring or scheduling duties.
Senior (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $110,000+	Specialization (like periodontics or pediatric focus) adds premium pay. Often involves leading a hygiene department or managing patient education programs.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$110,000+	Roles in education, corporate training, or managing multiple practice locations. Consultants for dental technology companies can also command top dollar.

How Hollywood Compares to Other Florida Cities

While Hollywood pays well, it's important to see where it fits in the broader Florida landscape. The state has several major dental hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Hollywood, FL	$90,628	111.8	Strong demand, moderate COL, coastal lifestyle.
Miami, FL	$91,200	123.3	Slightly higher pay, but significantly higher COL and traffic.
Tampa, FL	$88,450	105.4	Solid market, more central FL feel, slightly lower pay.
Orlando, FL	$87,100	105.1	Huge tourism-driven market, jobs in corporate and pediatric dentistry.
Jacksonville, FL	$85,500	98.5	Best COL-to-salary ratio, but a more suburban/industrial vibe.

Hollywood strikes a compelling balance. You earn nearly as much as in Miami but face a 15% lower cost of living, making your dollar stretch further. The 111.8 Cost of Living Index means Hollywood is about 11.8% more expensive than the U.S. average, but it's a far cry from the extreme costs of South Florida's major urban cores.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A $90,628 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Hollywood? We'll use the median salary for this breakdown, assuming a single filer with standard deductions (approx. 25% effective tax rate).

• Gross Annual Salary: $90,628
• Estimated Annual Take-Home (after ~25% taxes): ~$68,000
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,667

Now, let's layer in Hollywood's key cost—the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment, which sits at $1,621/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Hygienist, $90,628 Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$5,667	After federal, state, and FICA taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$1,621	The city-wide average. You can find cheaper in older buildings or further west.
Utilities	$250	Electricity (FPL) can be high in summer; water/sewer/trash often included.
Health Insurance	$350	If not fully covered by employer. Common in smaller private practices.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	ESSENTIAL. Hollywood is car-centric. Insurance rates are high in FL.
Gas/Transport	$200	Commuting to Miami or Fort Lauderdale adds cost.
Groceries	$400	Publix and Aldi are staples. Fresh, local produce is abundant.
Dining Out/Entertainment	$300	From Hollywood Beach boardwalk cafes to downtown bars.
Student Loans/Savings	$500	Varies widely, but a common expense for new professionals.
Miscellaneous	$300	Entertainment, shopping, personal care.
Total Expenses	$4,471
Monthly Surplus	$1,196	This is your key number.

With a surplus of nearly $1,200/month, a single hygienist earning the median can live comfortably, save, and even enjoy the lifestyle Hollywood offers. You'll have a buffer for discretionary spending, travel, or building an emergency fund.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The median home price in Hollywood is approximately $425,000. For a single earner on a $90,628 salary, a 20% down payment is $85,000—a significant savings goal. However, with a monthly surplus of $1,196, saving for a down payment is feasible with discipline (aim for 3-5 years). A mortgage payment on a $340,000 loan (after a 20% down payment) would be roughly $2,200/month (including taxes and insurance), which is manageable but would consume a larger portion of your income. It's more realistic for dual-income households or those with a longer career runway.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

The Hollywood job market is a mix of large corporate dental groups, established private practices, and community health centers. The 307 jobs in the metro area are distributed across this spectrum. Hiring trends show a steady demand, with a slight preference for hygienists with experience in digital scanning (like iTero) and a background in cosmetic or sedation dentistry.

1. Aspen Dental (Multiple Locations): A national chain with a strong presence in Hollywood (e.g., on Sheridan St). They offer structured career paths, benefits, and consistent patient flow. Good for new grads looking for stability.
2. Bright Now! Dental / Monahan Family Dental: A local, family-owned group with several offices in Hollywood and Miramar. Known for a supportive team environment and a focus on comprehensive care. They often hire from within the community.
3. Broward Health Medical Center: The primary public hospital system. Their dental clinics serve a diverse, often underserved population. Positions here offer great benefits (state pension plan) and experience with complex medical-dental cases. A stable, long-term employer.
4. South Florida Community Care Network (SFCCN): This is the local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system. They operate dental clinics in Hollywood and surrounding areas. Jobs here are mission-driven, come with potential for federal loan repayment programs, and offer a different pace from private practice.
5. Private Practice Specialists: Don't overlook high-end private practices, especially in areas like Downtown Hollywood and near Hollywood Beach. These offices often seek hygienists with a "concierge" level of care and may pay above median for exceptional skill and patient rapport. Networking with local dental societies is key here.
6. Corporate On-Site Dental: Large employers like Memorial Healthcare System (based in Hollywood) may have on-site dental wellness programs for employees, creating niche opportunities for hygienists.
7. Dental Staffing Agencies: Companies like Pro Dental Staffing and Tempdent have a constant pipeline of temporary and permanent placements in the Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale corridor. A great way to get your foot in the door and test different office cultures.

Insider Tip: The "secret" job market is often filled through referrals. Join the Broward County Dental Hygienists' Association (BCDHA). Attending their meetings is the single best way to hear about openings before they're posted online.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida's licensing is straightforward but has specific steps. The process can take 2-4 months from exam to full licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National Board Exam: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. Clinical Exam: Pass the Florida Clinical Dental Hygiene Examination (or a regional exam like the CRDTS or WREB).
4. Background Check: Complete a Level 2 background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
5. License Application: Submit application, fees, and all transcripts to the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Costs (Estimate):

• NBDHE Fee: $425
• Florida Clinical Exam Fee: ~$350
• License Application Fee: $150
• Background Check: ~$100
• Total: ~$1,025 (plus travel for clinical exams if needed).

Timeline:

• Months 1-2: Study for and pass NBDHE.
• Month 3: Take the Florida Clinical Exam.
• Month 4: Submit application, get approved, and receive your license.

Insider Tip: Florida has a "Limited License" for new graduates that allows you to work under direct supervision while you complete your clinical exam. This can be a great way to start earning and gain experience immediately after graduation.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live will define your commute and lifestyle. Hollywood is geographically large, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR est.)	Best For
Downtown Hollywood	Walkable, artsy, with renovated bungalows and new apartments. 10-15 min drive to most employers. Young professionals and creatives.	$1,700 - $2,000	Those who want a social scene without Miami's price tag.
Hollywood Beach	Touristy, lively, with the iconic Broadwalk. Older buildings, many condos. Can be noisy in season. 10-20 min commute.	$1,800 - $2,400+	The beach lifestyle; easy for active commutes.
Hollywood Lakes	Quiet, residential, with tree-lined streets and canals. Mostly single-family homes. 15-25 min commute to central Hollywood.	$1,500 - $1,800 (2BR)	A quieter, more suburban feel while staying central.
West Hollywood (Parkway/Flamingo Rd)	Further inland, more affordable, and closer to Miramar/Davie. More strip malls, less charm. 20-30 min commute to beach areas.	$1,400 - $1,650	Budget-conscious professionals with a car.
South of I-595 (near Hallandale)	A mix of older condos and new developments. Slightly cheaper than central Hollywood, but still close to the beach. 15-25 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,750	Those seeking value and access to both Hollywood and Aventura.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-95, US-1, and the Turnpike is brutal during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). Proximity to your job is a huge quality-of-life factor. Ask about parking at your potential workplace—some older offices in Downtown Hollywood have limited spots.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Hollywood long-term offers clear advancement paths.

Specialty Premiums: While the median is strong, you can push your earnings higher:

• Periodontal Focus: Hygienists skilled in scaling and root planing (SRP) and working with periodontists can command $5-10/hour more.
• Pediatric Specialization: Offices that focus on children often pay a premium for hygienists with a calm, engaging demeanor.
• Sedation Dentistry: Experience assisting with nitrous oxide or oral sedation is a valuable skill.
• Sales/Education: Moving into roles with dental product companies (e.g., Philips Sonicare, Colgate) or as a clinical educator for a DSO (Dental Service Organization) is a common pivot for senior hygienists.

10-Year Outlook (9% Growth):
This growth is driven by an aging population retaining more natural teeth and an increased focus on oral health's connection to systemic health (cardiovascular disease, diabetes). In Hollywood, this means more opportunities in:

• Geriatric Dentistry: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are expanding their on-site dental care.
• Corporate Wellness: More large employers in Broward County are offering dental benefits as a recruitment tool.
• Teledentistry: A growing field for consultations and patient education, which can offer flexible scheduling.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Hollywood offers a compelling package for a dental hygienist, but it's not without its trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary vs. Cost Ratio: $90,628 goes further here than in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.	High Car Dependency & Traffic: A car is non-negotiable; commutes can be stressful.
Robust, Diverse Job Market: 307 jobs with growth in both private and public sectors.	Hurricane Risk & High Insurance: Home and auto insurance premiums are steep in coastal Florida.
Vibrant Lifestyle: Beach, diverse food scene, arts in Downtown Hollywood, and proximity to Miami/Fort Lauderdale.	Rising Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are increasing steadily.
Career Stability & Growth: The 9% job growth projection provides long-term security.	Seasonal Tourism: Can affect parking and traffic near the beach from December to April.

Final Recommendation:
Hollywood is an excellent choice for a dental hygienist who values a balanced lifestyle—urban amenities without the extreme costs of a major metropolis. It's ideal for those who are career-focused (strong job market), outdoor-oriented (beach, parks), and financially savvy (can manage a budget and plan for homeownership). If you crave a walkable, car-free life or are highly sensitive to humidity and hurricane seasons, you may want to consider other options. For the vast majority of hygienists, Hollywood provides the tools for a prosperous and fulfilling career.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new graduates in Hollywood?
It's moderately competitive. While there are plenty of jobs, experienced hygienists often have an edge. To stand out, have a polished resume, be proficient with common dental software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft), and consider a temporary or part-time role to build local experience.

2. Do I need to know Spanish to work as a hygienist in Hollywood?
It's not a requirement, but it's a major advantage. Hollywood has a large Hispanic population (over 60%). Being able to communicate directly with patients in Spanish will make you a more valuable hire and improve patient care. Many offices will value this skill highly.

3. What's the best way to find affordable housing near my job?
Use the neighborhood breakdown above. If you get a job in a private practice in Downtown Hollywood, look at apartments near Dania Beach or South of I-595 for more budget-friendly options. Always check the commute during