Entry-Level Dental Hygienist Salary in Beverly, MA: $77,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dental hygienists entering the Beverly, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,004 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1292, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beverly's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,971 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,543) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A career as a dental hygienist in Beverly, Massachusetts presents promising financial opportunities for new graduates entering the workforce in 2026. Entry-level positions may start with a salary of around $77,004, which provides a realistic benchmark for what fresh graduates can expect to earn. While this figure is notably lower than the city median annual salary of $101,543, it offers a solid foundation for career growth. New dental hygienists can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience, moving through the 25th percentile earnings of $88,845 and eventually reaching the city’s median within the first few years. Overall, Beverly can be considered a favorable market for newly licensed dental hygienists, given its competitive compensation structure and growing demand for dental services.
About the Beverly Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beverly
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beverly
Entry-level dental hygienists in Beverly, MA typically start between $77,004 and $88,845 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,252 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,543 — 1.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average dental hygiene program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 54.54% of the starting dental hygienist pay ($77,004/year) in Beverly. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ADA CODA-accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RDH Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Beverly
- 1Research the Beverly market: entry-level dental hygienist pay ranges from $77,004 to $88,845, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong clinical skills.
- 2Highlight certifications valued in Massachusetts: local anesthesia administration and nitrous oxide monitoring are often required by MA employers and can boost your starting offer.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beverly, benefits like health insurance, CE allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a DSO or group practice in Beverly for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then transition to private practice once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beverly's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dental Hygienist Compensation Range
The dental hygienist wage spread in Beverly is $53,252 ( 69.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,004, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,256.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2020 BLS Actual
$58,460
2025 BLS Actual
$73,379
2026 Current Est.
$77,004
2020–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Beverly (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $58,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,064 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,384 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,808 | Projected |
Entry-level dental hygienist compensation (10th percentile) in Beverly, MA grew 25.5% over 6 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,460 in 2020 to $73,379 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,808. New graduates entering the Beverly job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your dental hygiene Career in Beverly
For those seeking entry-level dental hygienist positions, Beverly has several respected hiring avenues, particularly among corporate dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland Dental and Aspen Dental, which actively recruit new graduates and often provide attractive sign-on bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Community health centers are also a strong option, often providing loan repayment incentives through the National Health Service Corps for positions in shortage areas. Enhancing credentials can improve starting pay; for instance, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene rather than just an associate degree, as well as acquiring certifications in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide monitoring, are valuable additions. New graduates should strategically position themselves to enter the prevalent private dental office sector, while remaining mindful of emerging trends, such as the consolidation of practices under DSOs and the allowance for independent practice in a handful of states. With realistic salary advancements, new professionals can expect their earnings to progressively reflect their growing skills and responsibilities within the field.
More salary data for Beverly, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for dental hygienists in Beverly in 2026?
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Is dental hygiene school worth it in Beverly?
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How do I become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new dental hygiene graduates. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Beverly. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beverly is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov