Here is a comprehensive career guide for Dental Hygienists considering a move to West Jordan, Utah.

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West Jordan Career Guide: Dental Hygienist

West Jordan isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of Utah’s dental industry—Salt Lake City gets the headlines. But for a Dental Hygienist, West Jordan is a hidden gem. It’s a fast-growing, family-centric suburb with a lower cost of living than the city center, yet it sits in the heart of the Wasatch Front’s medical corridor. If you’re looking for a place to build a stable career without the chaos of downtown, this guide is for you. I’ve lived in the Salt Lake Valley for years, and the shift in vibe from SLC proper to West Jordan is palpable—you get more space, more community, and a surprisingly robust job market for medical professionals.

Let’s break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of working here.

The Salary Picture: Where West Jordan Stands

When you’re weighing a move, salary is king. Utah’s dental market is competitive, and West Jordan reflects statewide averages closely, though it often edges out smaller rural towns. The data here is rooted in BLS stats and local market surveys.

The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in West Jordan is $86,584/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.63. This is slightly below the national average of $87,530/year, but don’t let that fool you. Utah’s cost of living (which we’ll get to) is lower than the national average, so your purchasing power here is actually stronger than in many states that pay a higher nominal wage.

The metro area, which includes West Jordan, South Jordan, and Taylorsville, has 229 active jobs for hygienists. The 10-year job growth projection is 9%, which is steady—driven by an aging population and increased focus on preventive care. It’s not explosive growth, but it’s reliable.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in dentistry are heavily tied to experience. Here’s how the pay scale typically breaks down in the West Jordan area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$72,000 - $80,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$82,000 - $92,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$90,000 - $105,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years / Specialty	$100,000 - $120,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports. Specialists (e.g., in periodontics or orthodontics) or those in managerial roles can command premiums well above this.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities

How does West Jordan stack up against its neighbors? Salt Lake City proper pays slightly more, but the rent difference is significant. Provo/Orem has a tech-driven economy but a slightly smaller dental market. St. George, in southern Utah, has seen a surge in demand but pays less.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US=100)
West Jordan	$86,584	$1,301	96.4
Salt Lake City	$89,200	$1,550	101.5
Provo/Orem	$85,100	$1,250	95.2
St. George	$82,400	$1,350	102.1

West Jordan hits a sweet spot: a salary that’s competitive with SLC, but with a rent that’s over $200 cheaper per month.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. Living in Utah means you’ll pay federal taxes, state income tax (5% flat rate), and FICA (7.65%). For a single filer with no dependents claiming the standard deduction, here’s a rough breakdown on a $86,584 salary:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,215
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,650/month
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $5,565/month

Now, let’s layer in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in West Jordan costs $1,301/month (source: Zillow, RentCafe). That leaves you with $4,264 for everything else—utilities, car payments, groceries, entertainment, and savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. West Jordan’s median home price is around $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($95,000), your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be roughly $2,800-$3,000. That’s about 52% of your take-home pay, which is high. Most financial advisors recommend housing costs stay under 30% of take-home pay. It’s possible if you have a dual income or a large down payment, but buying solo on a single hygienist’s salary right away is a stretch. Renting for the first year or two is a smart move to build savings.

Where the Jobs Are: West Jordan's Major Employers

West Jordan’s dental job market is anchored by a mix of large corporate practices, private offices, and regional medical groups. The hiring trend is steady, with a slight uptick in private practices looking for hygienists who can build patient rapport in a suburban setting.

1. Cannon Dental: A well-regarded private practice with a location in West Jordan. They emphasize a family-friendly atmosphere and are known for investing in modern technology (like digital scanners). They often hire for full-time positions with benefits. Insider Tip: They value hygienists who are comfortable with both adult and pediatric patients.
2. Affordable Dentures & Implants: Located on 5600 West, this is a high-volume practice. It’s a great place to cut your teeth if you’re new, as you’ll see a wide variety of cases. The pace is fast, but the experience is invaluable.
3. Intermountain Healthcare (Clinics): While the main hospital is in Murray, Intermountain has numerous clinics in the South Jordan/West Jordan corridor. Their dental hygiene positions are competitive but offer excellent benefits, including retirement matching and career advancement paths. They often post jobs on their internal career site first.
4. Aspen Dental: A national chain with a location in West Jordan. They offer structured schedules and corporate benefits, which can be appealing. Hiring is frequent, and they often have sign-on bonuses for experienced hygienists.
5. Kaiser Permanente (South Jordan Medical Center): Just over the border in South Jordan, this is a major employer. Their dental department is integrated with their overall health model, focusing on holistic care. Jobs here are highly sought after for their stability and benefits package.
6. Local Private Practices: Don’t underestimate the smaller, owner-operated offices. Check the Utah Dental Association website and local classifieds. These practices often offer more flexibility and a close-knit team environment. Insider Tip: Many West Jordan hygienists join the “Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association” (UDHA) for networking—this is where the best unadvertised jobs are shared.

Getting Licensed in UT

Utah’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) oversees this.

Key Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree).
2. Exams: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a state or regional clinical exam (like the Western Regional Examining Board - WREB).
3. Anesthesia Certification: Utah requires certification in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and/or periodontal scaling (if you plan to administer them). This is often part of your school curriculum, but you must ensure it’s documented.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.
5. Application & Fees: Submit your application to DOPL. The total cost for licensing (application, exams, background check) typically runs $400 - $600.

Timeline: If you’re a recent graduate, you can expect the process to take 4-8 weeks after submitting all documents. For licensed hygienists moving from another state, Utah has reciprocity with many states, but you’ll still need to apply and may need to complete a jurisprudence exam. Always check the DOPL website for the most current requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

West Jordan is divided by I-15, and your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
West Jordan Center	Central, walkable to shops, easy access to I-15. A 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$1,350	Convenience seekers, young professionals.
Copper Hills	Family-oriented, quiet, near the Oquirrh Mountains. Commutes can be 15-20 mins.	$1,250	Those wanting more space and a suburban feel.
Southwest Corner	Newer developments, closer to the Jordan River Parkway. Commute to employers is 10-15 mins.	$1,400	People who love modern amenities and trails.
Hunter (West)	More affordable, diverse, with easy access to the airport and downtown SLC via I-215.	$1,150	Budget-conscious hygienists with a longer commute tolerance.

Insider Tip: If you work at a clinic in West Jordan’s center, living in Copper Hills or the Southwest Corner offers a reverse commute (against traffic flow), which is a huge perk. Avoid the immediate area around the West Jordan Station (TRAX line) if you drive, as traffic gets congested during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as a hygienist in West Jordan isn’t just about cleaning teeth; it’s about building a sustainable path.

• Specialty Premiums: General dentistry is the norm here, but you can earn a premium by specializing. Hygienists in periodontics or orthodontics can see salaries bump to $95,000 - $110,000. If you gain certification in laser dentistry or sleep apnea oral appliances, you become a high-value asset.
• Advancement Paths: Many hygienists move into Clinical Director or Office Manager roles after 5-7 years, leveraging their patient and operational knowledge. Others transition into education—teaching at local dental assisting programs (like at Salt Lake Community College) or corporate sales for dental product companies.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 9% job growth, the market will remain healthy. However, the key to longevity is continuing education (CE). Utah requires 12 CE hours every two years for license renewal. Invest in courses focused on digital dentistry (CAD/CAM), teledentistry, and public health initiatives. The hygienists who adapt to technology and community health roles will see the most stability and growth.

The Verdict: Is West Jordan Right for You?

West Jordan offers a balanced, suburban lifestyle with a solid career foundation for Dental Hygienists. It’s not the highest-paying market, but the cost of living adjustment makes your salary go further. It’s ideal for those who value community, outdoor access, and a stable job market over the buzz of a downtown core.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than SLC.	Limited high-end specialty practices compared to SLC.
Stable, growing job market with 229+ jobs.	Can feel suburban/sprawling if you crave urban energy.
Excellent access to outdoor recreation (mountains, Jordan River).	Commutes can be long if you work in SLC but live here.
Family-friendly atmosphere and good public schools.	Cultural/dining scene is more limited than Salt Lake City.

Final Recommendation: West Jordan is a strong choice for mid-career hygienists looking to buy a home, start a family, or find a long-term employer without the high-pressure environment of a major city. It’s also a smart landing spot for new graduates who can start with a lower rent while building experience. If your primary goal is ultra-high salary and access to cutting-edge specialty practices, look closer to Salt Lake City. But for work-life balance and financial stability, West Jordan is a winner.

FAQs

1. Is the job market saturated in West Jordan?
Not at all. With 229 jobs in the metro and 9% growth, demand is steady. The key is to be flexible—consider corporate practices for your first job to gain experience quickly.

2. How competitive is the rent market?
It’s competitive but manageable. The average 1BR rent of $1,301 is below the national average. Start your search 60 days before your move, and check Facebook Marketplace for sublets in Copper Hills.

3. Do I need a car in West Jordan?
Yes, absolutely. Public transit (UTA buses) exists but is limited. Most employers are spread out along 5600 West, 9000 South, and near I-15. A reliable car is a necessity.

4. What’s the best way to network locally?
Join the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association (UDHA). They host events in the Salt Lake Valley, and their newsletter often lists jobs before they hit public boards. Also, connect with hygienists from the University of Utah’s School of Dentistry alumni network.

5. Can I commute from West Jordan to a job in Salt Lake City?
Yes, many do. The commute via I-15 is about 20-30 minutes non-rush hour, but can double during peak times. If you work in SLC, consider living closer to the West Jordan Center or Hunter neighborhoods for easier highway access.