Aiken vs Charleston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,447 | $99,242▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.56 | $47.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,963 | $84,141▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,070 | $90,563▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,922 | $101,928▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,396▲ | $102,537 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $12,795 (14.80%). Charleston's median is -3.60% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $40,433,Charleston spans $18,396. Aiken 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, Charleston ($98,296 effective) pays 4.04% more than Aiken ($94,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,396)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,242/year)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,296)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Aiken grew 35.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 49.6% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$60,750 (2020) → $82,378 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$63,210 (2020) → $94,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
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