Ames vs Cedar Rapids: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Ames, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,533▲ | $86,334 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.97▲ | $41.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,493▲ | $82,220 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,865▲ | $84,750 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,612▲ | $96,492 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,861▲ | $97,605 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Ames and Cedar Rapids is $7,199 (8.34%). Ames's median is -9.14% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $17,368,Cedar Rapids spans $15,385. Ames 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, Ames ($105,294 effective) pays 8.50% more than Cedar Rapids ($97,045 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,533/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,861)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,294)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Ames grew 19.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ames, IA
$74,450 (2020) → $89,130 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$74,950 (2020) → $82,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Ames or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ames to Cedar Rapids as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Ames vs Cedar Rapids?
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