Akron vs Cleveland: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Akron, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,069 | $93,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.86 | $44.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,133 | $84,267▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,814 | $84,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,770▲ | $98,182 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,805▲ | $98,497 |
| Total Employed | 460 | 1,790▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Akron and Cleveland is $6,317 (7.26%). Cleveland's median is -9.29% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $34,672,Cleveland spans $14,230. Akron has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($99,428 effective) pays 6.62% more than Akron ($93,252 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,805)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,386/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,428)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Akron grew 14.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Akron, OH
$72,720 (2020) → $82,970 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$67,870 (2020) → $88,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Akron or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Akron and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Akron to Cleveland as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Akron vs Cleveland?
Related Comparisons
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