Rochester vs Troy: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Rochester, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,276 | $104,910▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.24 | $50.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,256▲ | $79,588 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,442 | $88,218▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,158 | $116,649▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,861 | $135,093▲ |
| Total Employed | 940▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Troy, NY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Troy is $6,634 (6.75%). Troy's median is +1.91% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $15,605,Troy spans $55,505. Troy 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, Rochester ($101,279 effective) pays 11.89% more than Troy ($90,518 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,279)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,910/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,093)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Rochester grew 48.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Troy over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$62,970 (2020) → $93,650 (2025)
Troy, NY
$84,533 (2020) → $99,971 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
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