Cedar Rapids vs Ottumwa: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,334▲ | $81,245 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.50▲ | $39.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,220▲ | $68,335 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,750▲ | $72,476 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,492▲ | $87,751 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,605 | $98,611▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa is $5,089 (6.26%). Cedar Rapids's median is -16.14% 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,Ottumwa spans $30,276. Ottumwa 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, Cedar Rapids ($97,045 effective) pays 7.98% more than Ottumwa ($89,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,334/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,045)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,611)
- ✓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 13.0% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$74,950 (2020) → $82,270 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$68,529 (2020) → $77,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Cedar Rapids or Ottumwa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Ottumwa as a dental hygienist?
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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