Omaha vs Papillion: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Omaha, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Omaha, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,822▲ | $87,620 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.51▲ | $42.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,219▲ | $73,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,198▲ | $78,137 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,068▲ | $94,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,925 | $106,309▲ |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Omaha and Papillion is $11,202 (12.78%). Omaha's median is -4.01% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Omaha spans $23,706,Papillion spans $32,648. Papillion 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, Omaha ($107,519 effective) pays 12.28% more than Papillion ($95,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,822/year)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,519)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,309)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Omaha grew 27.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Omaha, NE
$73,670 (2020) → $94,170 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$68,214 (2020) → $83,495 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Omaha or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Omaha and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Omaha to Papillion as a dental hygienist?
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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