Burlington vs Essex Junction: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Burlington, VT and Essex Junction, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, VT | Essex Junction, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,188▲ | $100,729 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.62▲ | $48.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,427▲ | $78,879 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,299▲ | $89,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,483 | $110,661▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,465 | $125,275▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Essex Junction.
The salary gap between Burlington and Essex Junction is $2,459 (2.44%). Burlington's median is +0.24% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $25,038,Essex Junction spans $46,396. Essex Junction has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($102,218 effective) pays 5.03% more than Essex Junction ($97,323 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,188/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,218)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Essex Junction if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,275)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Burlington grew 46.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 51.0% growth in Essex Junction over the same period.
Burlington, VT
$67,230 (2020) → $98,330 (2025)
Essex Junction, VT
$63,558 (2020) → $95,987 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Burlington or Essex Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Essex Junction?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Essex Junction as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Burlington vs Essex Junction?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov