Madison vs River Falls: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,297▲ | $94,879 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.62▲ | $45.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,793▲ | $73,770 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,095▲ | $83,981 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,462▲ | $103,873 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,649 | $117,415▲ |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $10,418 (10.98%). 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 Madison spans $22,856,River Falls spans $43,645. River Falls 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, Madison ($108,233 effective) pays 6.55% more than River Falls ($101,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,297/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,233)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,415)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Madison grew 35.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$74,260 (2020) → $100,340 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$66,517 (2020) → $90,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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