Dental Hygienist in Redmond, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Redmond's job market for dental hygienists is robust, largely driven by the high concentration of tech workers and young families in the area. The need for preventative dental care is consistent, and the compensation reflects the high cost of living in the Seattle metro area.

The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in Redmond is $90,943/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.72/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $87,530/year, a common trend for healthcare professions in the Pacific Northwest due to regional cost-of-living adjustments. The Redmond metro area supports approximately 160 jobs for dental hygienists, with a projected 10-year job growth of 9%, indicating a stable and growing demand.

Here’s how experience levels typically break down in this market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Redmond)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $82,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $105,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$105,000+

When you compare Redmond to other Washington cities, the salaries are competitive. While Seattle and Bellevue might offer slightly higher base pay (often $92,000 - $97,000), the commute and parking challenges in those cities can be significant. Redmond offers a strong balance of high pay and a more manageable suburban lifestyle. Tacoma and Spokane have lower median salaries (often in the $80,000 - $85,000 range) but also a significantly lower cost of living. For a Dental Hygienist prioritizing a blend of career opportunity and quality of life, Redmond is a top contender in Washington State.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. With a median salary of $90,943/year, your take-home pay after federal, state (Washington has no income tax, which is a huge plus), and FICA taxes will be approximately $69,000 - $71,000 annually, or about $5,750 - $5,900/month. This is a crucial advantage over states with high income taxes.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Redmond is $1,864/month. This can vary widely by neighborhood (more on that later). Let's look at a monthly budget for a single Dental Hygienist earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,864	Average for the city
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season
Groceries	$450	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Very common expense; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$250	Often a portion is employer-paid
Student Loans	$300	Varies widely; assume average
Retirement Savings (401k)	$450	5% of gross salary
Discretionary/Entertainment	$600	Dining out, activities, personal care
Total Monthly Expenses	~$4,614
Remaining (Buffer)	~$1,136 - $1,286

This budget leaves a healthy buffer for savings, emergencies, or additional discretionary spending. The key takeaway is that while the cost of living is high (Redmond's Cost of Living Index is 113.0, compared to the U.S. average of 100), the salary is structured to accommodate it.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Redmond is well over $1 million. A 20% down payment would be $200,000+. With a take-home of ~$70k, saving for that down payment is a long-term goal, not an immediate possibility for most single-income professionals. However, it's not impossible with disciplined saving over several years, dual-income households, or looking at more affordable neighboring cities like Renton or Shoreline for a longer commute. Insider Tip: Many local tech companies offer RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) as part of compensation, which can be a game-changer for saving for a down payment, but this is rare for dental hygienists unless working for a large corporate dental chain.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond's dental job market is a mix of private practices, corporate chains, and a few unique opportunities tied to the local population. The hiring demand is steady, largely serving the families and professionals living in the area.

1. Overlake Dental Center: A large, multi-specialty practice located near the Overlake Hospital Medical Center. They often have multiple openings for hygienists and are known for using advanced technology. They tend to hire with competitive benefits.
2. Bellevue Redmond Dental Group (with locations in Redmond): This is a prominent practice serving the eastside. They have a reputation for high-end cosmetic and restorative work, which often requires hygienists with excellent patient rapport and technical skills.
3. Cherry Creek Dental (Redmond): Part of a regional group, they are a solid corporate employer with structured schedules and benefits. Good for new grads looking for a consistent, predictable work environment.
4. Redmond Town Center Dental: Located in the heart of the shopping and business district, this practice caters to the professional crowd. Scheduling often accommodates those who work in nearby tech offices.
5. Pediatric Dentistry of Redmond: Specializing in children's dentistry, this is a great niche. If you love working with kids, these offices are always looking for hygienists with patience and a gentle touch.
6. UW Medicine & Eastside Specialty Center: While more focused on medicine, there are sometimes opportunities in oral health clinics associated with larger healthcare systems, especially those serving elderly or medically complex patients.
7. Corporate Chains (e.g., Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental): These are often located in nearby Bellevue or Kirkland but are major employers in the region. They offer standardized training and can be a good entry point into the field.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for hygienists who are proficient with digital scanners (like iTero) and who are comfortable discussing treatment plans with patients. There's a slight trend toward corporatization, but strong private practices still dominate. Networking with local hygienists at continuing education events in the Seattle area is the best way to find out about openings before they're publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State's licensing process is managed by the Department of Health, Board of Dentistry. It's straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National Board Exam: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. Regional Clinical Exam: Pass one of the approved regional exams (e.g., WREB, CDCA, or ADEX).
4. State-Specific Coursework: Complete a 3-hour course on Washington State Social Equity and a 4-hour course on HIV/AIDS education. These can be taken online from approved providers.
5. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
6. Application & Fees: Submit a complete application to the Washington State Department of Health. The total cost for licensing, including exams and fees, typically ranges from $600 - $1,000.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already licensed in another state: You can apply for licensure by endorsement. The process typically takes 30-60 days after submitting all documents, provided your original license is in good standing and you meet Washington's specific educational and exam requirements. The social equity and HIV/AIDS courses are still mandatory.
• If you're a new graduate: The entire process, from graduating, taking exams, to receiving your license, can take 4-7 months. It's wise to start studying for the NBDHE before graduation and schedule your regional exam as soon as possible after.

Insider Tip: Washington is a member of the Dental Compact (Interstate Medical Licensure Compact for Dentists, with a similar model for hygienists in development). While not fully operational for hygienists yet, it signals a move toward easier interstate mobility. Always check the Washington State Department of Health website for the most current application forms and fee schedules.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Choosing where to live in the Redmond area significantly impacts your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods, balancing accessibility to jobs and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Redmond	Walkable, urban feel. Most dental offices are here or a short drive away. Commute is minimal if you work locally.	$2,000 - $2,400	Professionals who want to be in the heart of the action, with cafes, shops, and parks at their doorstep.
Education Hill	Quiet, family-friendly, and scenic. A 10-15 minute drive to most offices. Excellent schools.	$1,800 - $2,100	Those seeking a peaceful, residential setting with easy access to nature trails like those at Marymoor Park.
Overlake	Closer to Bellevue and Microsoft's main campus. Very convenient for jobs in both Redmond and Bellevue. Mix of apartments and condos.	$1,900 - $2,300	Hygienists with a partner working in tech or who may want job options in multiple eastside cities.
Bear Creek / West Hill	Suburban, with more single-family homes (and higher rents for townhomes/condos). A bit farther from the main downtown core.	$1,700 - $2,000	Those who prioritize space, a car-centric lifestyle, and don’t mind a 15-20 minute commute.
Sammamish (near the Redmond border)	Very affluent, quiet, and highly residential. A longer commute (20-30 mins) to Redmond offices but a popular place for families.	$2,000+	Established professionals or those with families who want top-tier schools and a serene environment.

Commute Reality Check: Redmond is a car-dependent city. While there are bus routes (Community Transit, King County Metro), they are not as comprehensive as in Seattle. Owning a car is almost a necessity for this profession, as you may work at different offices or need to run errands. Parking at dental offices is usually ample and free.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as a dental hygienist in Redmond offers more than just a good starting salary. There are clear paths for advancement and specialization that can significantly increase your earning potential.

Specialty Premiums:

• Periodontal Hygienist: Working in a specialist's office (periodontist) can add a $5 - $10/hour premium to your base rate due to the advanced procedures (scaling and root planing, surgical assists).
• Pediatric Hygienist: Specializing in children's dentistry often comes with a modest pay bump and requires specific skills in behavior management.
• Corporate/Lead Hygienist: In larger practices, taking on a lead role (overseeing other hygienists, ordering supplies, managing schedules) can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your annual salary.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Specialist: Deepen expertise in areas like laser dentistry or oral cancer screening.
2. Education & Public Health: Move into roles with school districts, community health clinics, or as a clinical instructor at a dental hygiene program (Seattle Central College has a program).
3. Sales or Corporate: Large dental supply companies (Henry Schein, Patterson) and equipment manufacturers often hire hygienists as clinical advisors or sales reps, which can be very lucrative.
4. Office Management: With additional business training, a hygienist can move into managing a dental practice, leveraging clinical knowledge with administrative skills.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is a positive indicator. Washington's population continues to grow, and the eastside's focus on health and wellness supports the dental industry. The rise of teledentistry for consultations and some preventive care may change the field slightly, but hands-on clinical work will remain the core of the profession. Staying current with technology (digital impressions, CAD/CAM) is key to long-term relevance.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at what life as a Dental Hygienist in Redmond truly entails.

Pros	Cons
High Median Salary ($90,943) that adjusts for cost of living.	High Cost of Living, especially housing. Saving for a home is difficult.
No State Income Tax increases your take-home pay.	Car-Dependent City with limited public transit options.
Stable, Growing Job Market with diverse employers.	Competitive Housing Market; finding an affordable apartment can be challenging.
Excellent Quality of Life with access to outdoor recreation (Marymoor Park, Lake Sammamish).	Traffic can be heavy on major corridors like SR-520 and I-405, especially during peak hours.
Proximity to Seattle for cultural events, food, and entertainment.	Corporate/Chain Influence is growing, which may not appeal to those preferring a small-practice culture.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is an excellent choice for a Dental Hygienist who values a high salary, a safe suburban environment, and easy access to nature and outdoor activities. It's ideal for someone who is comfortable with a car-centric lifestyle and is looking for a stable career in a prosperous community. It may not be the best fit for a new grad on a tight budget hoping to buy a home immediately, or for someone who thrives on the fast pace and 24/7 energy of a dense urban core like downtown Seattle. For the right person, however, Redmond offers a compelling blend of professional opportunity and personal quality of life.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a dental hygienist in Redmond?
Yes, practically speaking. While some offices are near bus lines, the city is designed around car travel. You'll likely need to commute between neighborhoods, and many dental offices are in suburban areas with limited transit access. Parking is almost always free and plentiful at practices.

2. How does the lack of state income tax affect my salary negotiation?
It's a major advantage. When comparing offers, look at the total compensation package. A salary in Redmond with no state tax can feel like a 5-10% higher salary compared to cities in states like California or Oregon with high income taxes. Use the median salary of $90,943 as your benchmark, knowing your take-home is higher than in many other states.

3. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes. Many dental practices in Redmond are family-oriented and offer flexible schedules to accommodate hygienists' needs, including part-time roles, 4-day workweeks, or alternating Saturdays. This is common in private practices and is a key benefit of the profession in this area.

4. What's the best way to find a job here before moving?
Start with LinkedIn and Indeed, setting filters for Redmond. However, the most effective method is direct contact. Research local practices (like those listed above) and send a tailored cover letter and resume to the practice manager. Many positions are filled through professional networks and word-of-mouth. Joining the Washington State Dental Hygienists' Association (WSDHA) can provide networking opportunities and job leads.

5. Is the job market saturated?
With only 160 jobs in the metro and a 9% growth rate, it's competitive but not saturated. The high turnover in some corporate environments creates openings. Specializing (e.g., in pediatric or periodontal care) or having certifications in local anesthesia or nitrous oxide sedation will make you a more attractive candidate. The demand for hygienists who can communicate effectively with a tech-savvy, health-conscious clientele is strong.