Brea vs San Francisco: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Brea, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brea, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,251 | $154,010▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.26 | $74.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,955 | $114,867▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,481 | $136,632▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,277 | $162,573▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,633 | $164,315▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 3,780▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brea.
The salary gap between Brea and San Francisco is $30,759 (24.96%). San Francisco's median is +49.60% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $57,678,San Francisco spans $49,448. Brea 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, San Francisco ($133,212 effective) pays 22.24% more than Brea ($108,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brea if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,010/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,315)
- ✓Larger job market (3,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,212)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Brea grew 12.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Brea, CA
$104,382 (2020) → $117,449 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$119,060 (2020) → $146,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Brea or San Francisco?
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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