A dental hygienist’s salary in Canada ranges from around $55,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $110,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $80,000 per annum.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Dental Hygienist's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 32111) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 27.00 | 39.00 | 55.00 |
| Alberta | 21.00 | 55.00 | 60.00 |
| British Columbia | 37.50 | 45.18 | 55.00 |
| Manitoba | 37.00 | 42.00 | 49.45 |
| New Brunswick | 24.73 | 35.00 | 40.00 |
| Newfoundland | 35.00 | 45.09 | 64.58 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 32.27 | 35.00 | 39.00 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 30.00 | 37.50 | 44.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | 29.00 | 35.00 | 40.00 |
| Quebec | 25.00 | 32.00 | 40.00 |
| Saskatchewan | 39.00 | 46.50 | 60.00 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Canada?
The highest dental hygienist’s salary in Canada is in Alberta, where mid-range salaries are more than 40% above the national average.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest dental hygienist’s salary in Canada is found in Quebec, followed by the maritime provinces, where mid-range salaries are 10-18% lower than the rest of the country.
However, the cost of living in these provinces is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries here should be viewed in this context.
What are the Prospects for Dental Hygienists in Canada?
The three-year prospects for dental hygienists are rated as “good” for most provinces (according to government forecasts). There has been a shortage of dental hygienists over the past few years, but the job market is expected to stabilize in the coming years.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for dental hygienists as 10,300, compared to 16,100 new job seekers who will fill these posts. This is expected to resolve the current shortages.
A dental hygienist’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a dental hygienist’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For Dental Hygienists In Canada?
The current NOC code for dental hygienists in Canada is 32111 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3222). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Dental hygienist
- Dental nurse
- Dental Therapist
- Registered dental hygienist
Can Immigrants Get Dental Hygienist Jobs in Canada?
Dental hygiene is a regulated profession in Canada. Dental hygienists must be registered or licensed by the appropriate provincial or territorial dental hygiene regulatory authorities.
Requirements for registration vary by province or territory and include differences in clinical experience, examinations required, and continuing education requirements.
Internationally educated dental hygienists will need to follow this process to work in Canada:
- Apply to the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators Of Canada to have your academic qualifications assessed for equivalency with Canadian qualifications.
- If your qualifications are approved, you can apply to sit the National Hygiene Certification Dental Exam (NDHCE). The exam is offered three times a year in various cities in Canada.
- Upon completing the exam, you can apply to become certified in your chosen province or territory.
Further information about this process can be found on the International Federation of Dental Hygienists website. Contact details for the various regulatory bodies can also be found on this site.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Ontario?
A dental hygienist’s salary in Ontario ranges from $63,000 to $92,400 annually. The mid-range salary is $78,750, which is slightly lower than the national mid-range salary of $81,900 in Canada.
Dental hygienists’ salaries in Toronto are the highest in Ontario, with mid-range salaries around 6-7% higher than the average for the province.
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What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a dental hygienist in Ontario is $63,000. This is higher than the national starting salary in Canada, which is $56,700. This indicates that Ontario is a favourable place for dental hygienists at the start of their careers.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range dental hygienist’s salary in Toronto is $84,000. While this is a competitive salary, it’s important to consider that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, despite the attractive salary, dental hygienists may enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Toronto.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range dental hygienist’s salary in Ottawa is $78,750, a little lower than in Toronto. However, compared to Toronto, property costs in Ottawa are generally lower. This, combined with the competitive salary, could potentially offer dental hygienists a better standard of living in Ottawa than in Toronto.
Are Dental Hygienists In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, hygienists are in high demand in Ontario. Factors such as population growth, increased public awareness of oral hygiene, and the aging population needing geriatric dental care are driving this demand.
There are currently shortages of dental hygienists in Ontario, but increases in new job seekers in the coming years are expected to stabilize the job market.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Quebec?
A dental hygienist’s salary in Quebec ranges from $52,500 to $84,000 annually. The mid-range salary for this profession in Quebec is $67,200, which is lower than Canada’s mid-range salary of $81,900.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Starting Salary In Quebec?
A dental hygienist’s starting salary in Quebec is approximately $52,500 annually. This is slightly lower than the starting salary at the national level in Canada, which is $56,700.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Montreal?
A mid-range dental hygienist’s salary in Montreal is $67,200, which aligns with the mid-range salary for the province of Quebec.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Montreal, especially regarding property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half what you’d find in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, allowing for a higher standard of living.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Quebec City?
A dental hygienist’s salary in Quebec City also has a mid-range of $67,200, which aligns with the mid-range salary for the province of Quebec.
Like Montreal, the cost of living in Quebec City, particularly in terms of property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half those in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, suggesting that you’re likely to enjoy a higher standard of living in Quebec City.
Are Dental Hygienists In Demand In Quebec?
Yes, dental hygienists are in high demand in Quebec. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024.
This is due to population growth, increased awareness of oral hygiene, and an aging population needing senior dental care.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Alberta?
A dental hygienist’s salary in Alberta ranges from $44,100 to $126,000. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $115,500, which is significantly higher than the national mid-range salary of $81,900. This suggests that Alberta could be a very attractive province for dental hygienists in terms of salary.
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What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a dental hygienist in Alberta is $44,100. This is lower than the national starting salary in Canada, which is $56,700. Despite the lower starting salary, the potential for a high mid-range salary could make Alberta an appealing place for dental hygienists as they progress in their careers.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range dental hygienist’s salary in Calgary is $115,500. Given that the cost of living in Calgary is lower than most other major cities in Canada, dental hygienists may enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Edmonton?
A dental hygienist’s salary in Edmonton is $115,500. The cost of living and especially property prices are low in Edmonton, which could potentially provide dental hygienists with a higher standard of living compared to other major cities.
Are Dental Hygienists In Demand In Alberta?
Dental hygienists are in demand in Alberta. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. There are currently shortages of dental hygienists across Canada, but increases in new job seekers are expected to stabilize this job market.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In BC?
A dental hygienist’s salary in BC ranges from $78,750 to $115,500. The mid-range salary is $94,878, which is higher than the national mid-range salary of $81,900.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a dental hygienist in BC is $78,750. This is significantly higher than the national starting salary in Canada, which is $56,700. This indicates that BC is a favourable place for dental hygienists at the start of their careers.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range dental hygienist’s salary in Vancouver is $94,878. However, it’s important to note that Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Despite the attractive salary, dental hygienists may enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Dental Hygienist’s Salary In Victoria?
A dental hygienist’s salary in Victoria is $92,980. Property costs in Victoria are generally lower than in Vancouver, which, combined with the competitive salary, could potentially offer dental hygienists a better standard of living in Victoria than in Vancouver.
Are Dental Hygienists In Demand In BC?
Yes, dental hygienists are in demand in BC. The job prospects in BC are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. There are currently shortages of dental hygienists across Canada, but increases in new job seekers in the coming years are expected to stabilize this job market.
Where Can I Find More Information About Dental Hygienists in Canada?
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
And finally, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association is a useful resource for general information about working in dental hygiene in Canada.
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