Why do dental hygienists make more than registered nurses?
Question:
Why do dental hygienists make more than registered nurses?
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Answer:
As of May 2020, dental hygienists did not make more than registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), across the U.S., registered nurses had a slightly higher wage than dental hygienists. The mean annual salary for registered nurses was $80,010. Meanwhile, dental hygienists had a mean annual wage of $78,050. This slight discrepancy may be due to educational differences. Even though both dental hygienists and registered nurses can hold an associates' degree to practice this occupation. It is very common for registered nurses to hold a bachelor's degree. On the other hand, most dental hygienists tend to have an associate's degree. Therefore, registered nurses generally have to complete more education and training to pursue a career in this field. This can equate to a higher salary for registered nurses. Of course, there are several variables that play an important role in this matter. There are dental hygienists with a master's degree that can earn significantly more than registered nurses.
For more information about registered nurses, check out this article: Becoming a Registered Nurse: Education and Career Roadmap
