Dental Hygienist in Lakewood, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a career analyst who's watched Lakewood's job market for over a decade, I can tell you this: dental hygiene in this city is a solid middle-class career, but it won't make you rich. The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in Lakewood is $91,600/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.04/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $87,530/year, but you have to remember that California's high cost of living erodes that advantage.

When we break it down by experience, the progression is steady but not dramatic. Here’s how it typically looks for a full-time (40-hour week) hygienist in the Lakewood area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $85,000	$36.06 - $40.87
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$85,000 - $98,000	$40.87 - $47.12
Senior	8-15 years	$95,000 - $108,000	$45.67 - $51.92
Expert / Lead	15+ years	$105,000 - $120,000+	$50.48 - $57.69+

Insider Tip: The top end ($120,000+) is almost exclusively found in private periodontal or oral surgery specialty practices in nearby affluent areas like Rossmoor or Los Alamitos, not in general family dentistry offices within Lakewood city limits.

Compared to other major California metro areas, Lakewood sits in a curious middle ground. It's not as high-paying as San Francisco or San Diego, but it's more lucrative than the Central Valley. The key here is the Jobs in Metro: 156. This is a small, dense market. You aren't competing with thousands of hygienists, but you're also not seeing a flood of new opportunities. The 10-Year Job Growth: 9% is slightly above the national average for the profession, indicating stable demand, largely driven by an aging population and increased focus on preventive care.

California Metro Area	Median Salary (Est.)	Notes
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward	~$112,000	Highest cost of living in the state
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim	~$95,000	Larger market, more competition
Lakewood Metro Area	$91,600	Smaller, stable market with respectable pay
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario	~$88,000	Lower cost of living, more affordable housing
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom	~$89,500	State government jobs can influence pay

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally honest about the numbers. A median salary of $91,600 sounds good on paper, but in Lakewood, it gets squeezed hard. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single hygienist earning the median wage.

Assumptions: Single filer, standard deduction, California state tax is complex but we'll estimate 8% effective rate after federal (15%), plus FICA (7.65%). Total estimated tax burden: ~30%. That leaves a monthly take-home pay of approximately $5,343.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Lakewood
Take-Home Pay	$5,343	After ~30% in taxes (federal, state, FICA)
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	Average 1BR Rent; could be $1,900-$2,600 depending on location
Utilities	$150 - $250	Spectrum internet, Southern California Edison, water
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	LA County insurance rates are high; public transit is limited
Gas/Transportation	$150 - $250	Lakewood is car-centric; commutes to other areas add cost
Groceries	$350 - $450	Vons, Stater Bros, ALDI in nearby Cerritos
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Copay/coinsurance if not fully covered by employer
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Entertainment, dining out, personal care, savings
Remaining Buffer	$411 - $1,091	Very tight budget; leaves little room for error

Can you afford to buy a home on this salary? In a word: No. Not as a single person. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $750,000. A 20% down payment ($150,000) is a massive hurdle. Even with an FHA loan, the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $4,500/month, which is over 80% of your take-home pay. This is financially unsustainable. Insider Tip: The only path to homeownership here for a single hygienist is through dual income (partner with a comparable or higher salary) or significant family assistance. Renting long-term is the most realistic scenario.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's dental job market is dominated by private practices, often part of small chains or solo offices. You won't find massive hospital dental residencies here. The key employers are typically within a 10-15 minute drive. Here are the specific places to target:

1. Smile Doctors (Multiple Locations): This is a large orthodontic and pediatric dental group with a strong presence in Lakewood and nearby Cerritos. They frequently hire for hygiene roles in their family-focused practices. Hiring is steady, and they offer structured training.
2. Children's Dental Fun (Cerritos): Located just east of Lakewood in Cerritos, this busy practice specializes in pediatric dentistry. They often seek hygienists experienced with or willing to work with children. It's a high-volume office.
3. Lakewood Family Dental: A long-standing, well-regarded general practice on Lakewood Blvd. Known for a loyal patient base and traditional family atmosphere. They often value experience and stability in hires.
4. Periodontal & Implant Associates of Lakewood: This specialty practice (periodontics) is where you'll find the higher-end pay scale. They look for hygienists with advanced training in periodontal therapy and surgical assisting. Hiring is less frequent but worth monitoring.
5. West Coast Dental (Multiple Locations): A larger chain with offices across Southern California. They have locations in nearby areas like Long Beach and Bellflower. They offer benefits and a corporate structure, which can be a pro or con depending on your preference.
6. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Community Clinics): While not in Lakewood proper, the dental clinics associated with Long Beach Memorial are within a 15-20 minute drive. These often serve low-income or Medicaid patients. Pay may be slightly lower than private practice, but benefits (health insurance, retirement) can be excellent. The 10-Year Job Growth: 9% is partially fueled by these public health needs.
7. Solo Private Practices: The most common employer. You'll find them by driving through commercial corridors in Lakewood, Rossmoor, and Los Alamitos. The best way to find these jobs isn't always online; networking and cold-calling with your resume can be effective. Insider Tip: Build a list of 20-30 local practices and send personalized emails to the office managers (not the dentists). They are the ones who hire.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but not booming. Most offices are looking for 1-2 hygienists to replace retirements or expand. The "gig" economy has touched dentistry, with some offices hiring on a per-diem or part-time basis to manage fluctuating patient schedules. Being flexible with hours (e.g., being open to working one evening a week or alternating Saturdays) significantly increases your chances of landing a full-time role.

Getting Licensed in CA

California's dental hygiene license is administered by the California Dental Board. The process is stringent and can be time-consuming. Do not move to California without first confirming your licensure status.

1. Education: You must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental hygiene program. If you're an out-of-state hygienist, you'll need to have your credentials evaluated.
2. Examinations:
   • National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): Required.
   • Clinical Examination: You must pass a regional clinical exam (like the WREB or CDCA) or the California Clinical Dental Hygiene Examination (administered by the Board). For out-of-state applicants, the WREB is often the most straightforward path.
3. California Laws and Ethics Exam: This is a California-specific exam you must pass.
4. CPR Certification: Must be current and from an approved provider (AHA, Red Cross, etc.).
5. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required by the state.
6. Application & Fees: Submit the application through the BreEZe Online Licensing System. Total fees can run $300 - $500 (application, exam fees, fingerprinting).

Timeline to Get Started: If you're already licensed in another state, the process can take 3-6 months from application submission to receiving your California license. This is the minimum time you should plan for. Crucial Advice: Start the application process before you move, if possible. Contact the California Dental Board early to get a clear list of your specific requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Lakewood is a classic post-war suburb, but your lifestyle and commute can vary drastically by neighborhood. Here are 4-5 options, keeping in mind you'll likely be commuting to a practice in Lakewood, Cerritos, Long Beach, or Los Alamitos.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Pros & Cons
Central Lakewood	Classic suburban, central. 5-15 min drive to most local offices.	$2,100 - $2,300	Pro: Super-convenient, walkable to shops. Con: Older housing stock, can feel generic.
North Lakewood / Rossmoor Adjacent	Quieter, more affluent feel. 10-20 min commute.	$2,300 - $2,600	Pro: Safer, better schools. Con: Higher rent, more traffic on Rossmoor/Lakewood Blvd.
East Lakewood / Cerritos	Closer to major employers (Smile Doctors, Children's Dental Fun).	$2,200 - $2,400	Pro: Shortest commutes to high-demand jobs. Con: Can be very busy on the 605 freeway.
Long Beach (North of Lakewood)	Urban, diverse, more cultural amenities. 15-25 min drive.	$2,000 - $2,400	Pro: More nightlife, dining, and cultural scenes. Con: Longer commute, parking can be tough.
Los Alamitos (Northwest)	Small, upscale city. 15-25 min commute to most Lakewood jobs.	$2,400 - $2,700	Pro: Charming, quiet, excellent schools. Con: Highest rent, farthest from many employers.

Insider Tip: If you're young and value social life, consider Long Beach. The apartment complexes near the CSULB area offer a younger vibe. If you're looking for a quiet, settled life, Rossmoor or Los Alamitos are ideal, but budget accordingly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lakewood, career growth for a hygienist is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization and side hustles.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jump comes from moving into a specialty. Periodontal (gum disease) and oral surgery offices pay 10-20% above the median. This requires additional training and certification, often provided on the job.
• Education & Teaching: With a bachelor's or master's degree, you can move into education at a local dental hygiene program (like at Cerritos College or Long Beach City College). This is a stable, salaried position with summers off, but it pays less than private practice.
• Public Health: Working for community clinics or school-based programs offers excellent job security and benefits, though the base pay is typically lower. It's a trade-off.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is reliable. Demand will be driven by an aging population needing more periodontal care and a growing awareness of the oral-systemic health link. The threat of dentist consolidation (corporate buyouts of private practices) is real. This can lead to standardized pay and potentially less autonomy. Being prepared to work in a corporate setting is a smart move.
• Side Hustles: Many hygienists in the area work part-time for multiple offices or do mobile dental hygiene (services for nursing homes, which is an emerging niche). This can boost income but lacks benefits.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros of Lakewood for a Dental Hygienist	Cons of Lakewood for a Dental Hygienist
Stable Job Market: The 156 jobs and 9% growth indicate steady demand.	High Cost of Living: The $2,252/mo rent and 115.5 cost of living index squeeze a $91,600 salary.
Respectable Pay: $91,600 is above the national average.	Homeownership is Out of Reach: On a single income, it's nearly impossible.
Central Location: Easy access to the Greater LA/OC job market if needed.	Car-Dependent: You'll need a reliable car; public transit is insufficient.
Suburban Lifestyle: Safe, family-oriented, with good amenities.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife Scene: It's a suburb, not a city. You'll drive to LA/Long Beach for that.
Manageable Commute: Most jobs are within a 15-minute radius.	Competitive Market: The small job pool means you must be a polished candidate.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for a hygienist who values stability, a suburban lifestyle, and a manageable commute. It's ideal for couples or families with dual incomes. For a single person prioritizing homeownership or a vibrant urban lifestyle, the financial math is challenging. You can make it work on a $91,600 salary, but it requires a disciplined budget and accepting that renting is likely a long-term reality.

FAQs

Q: Can I get a job in Lakewood with just an associate's degree?
A: Yes, absolutely. The vast majority of dental hygiene jobs in the area do not require a bachelor's degree. However, a bachelor's or master's is necessary if you plan to move into education or public health administration.

Q: How competitive is the job market right now?
A: With only 156 jobs in the metro, it's a tight market. You need a polished resume, a professional demeanor, and flexibility. Being willing to work in a specialty office or for a corporate chain increases your opportunities.

Q: What's the best way to find a job in this specific market?
A: As mentioned, networking is key. Join the California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) and attend local component meetings. Also, use dental-specific job boards like "Dental Post" and "Dental Jobs" in addition to Indeed. Don't be afraid to walk into offices with your resume in person (during non-peak hours, like early afternoon).

Q: Is it worth it to commute from a cheaper area like Riverside?
A: Financially, maybe. A 1BR in Riverside is about $1,800/month, saving you ~$450. However, your commute to a Lakewood office could be 45-60 minutes each way via the 91/605 freeways, which are notoriously congested. You'll spend more on gas and time, and your quality of life may suffer. For most, living closer to work in Lakewood is worth the cost.

Q: What certifications should I prioritize to increase my salary?
A: In the Lakewood area, certifications in periodontal therapy, laser dentistry, and local anesthesia are highly valued. These allow you to work in specialty practices or take on advanced duties in general practices, directly increasing your value and pay. Check with the California Dental Board for approved continuing education courses.