Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,334 | $86,575▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.50 | $41.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,220▲ | $80,562 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,750▲ | $84,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,492 | $97,342▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,605 | $98,528▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Waterloo, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo is $241 (0.28%). Waterloo's median is -15.90% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $15,385,Waterloo spans $17,966. Waterloo 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, Waterloo ($99,446 effective) pays 2.47% 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 Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,575/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,528)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,446)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 9.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$74,950 (2020) → $82,270 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$67,970 (2020) → $82,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Cedar Rapids or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo?
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