Chelsea vs Springfield: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Chelsea, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chelsea, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,168▲ | $102,442 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.59▲ | $49.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,864 | $87,992▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,295 | $100,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,038▲ | $103,754 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,294▲ | $105,087 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Chelsea, MA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Chelsea and Springfield is $726 (0.71%). Chelsea's median is +0.22% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chelsea spans $44,430,Springfield spans $17,095. Chelsea 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, Springfield ($106,643 effective) pays 12.15% more than Chelsea ($95,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,168/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,294)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,643)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Chelsea grew 15.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Chelsea, MA
$85,307 (2020) → $98,311 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$82,970 (2020) → $97,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chelsea, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Chelsea or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chelsea and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Chelsea to Springfield as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Chelsea vs Springfield?
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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