Decatur vs Mobile: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Decatur, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,370▲ | $63,709 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.95▲ | $30.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,731 | $50,738▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,048▲ | $61,862 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,196▲ | $64,307 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,966▲ | $74,423 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Decatur, AL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.
The salary gap between Decatur and Mobile is $661 (1.04%). Decatur's median is -37.47% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $26,235,Mobile spans $23,685. Decatur 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, Decatur ($73,809 effective) pays 2.06% more than Mobile ($72,316 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,966)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,809)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Decatur grew 21.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$50,590 (2020) → $61,340 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$49,620 (2020) → $60,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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