Appleton vs Madison: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,110 | $105,297▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.61 | $50.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,813 | $87,793▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,042 | $99,095▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,156 | $106,462▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,252 | $110,649▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $4,187 (4.14%). Madison's median is +2.28% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $21,439,Madison spans $22,856. Madison 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, Appleton ($109,404 effective) pays 1.08% more than Madison ($108,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,404)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,649)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Appleton grew 42.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$67,780 (2020) → $96,350 (2025)
Madison, WI
$74,260 (2020) → $100,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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