- Salary statistics
- Dental hygienist salary
Dental hygienist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
35 500 - 45 400 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Dental hygienist
What does a dental hygienist do? – Tasks and work environment
A dental hygienist works with preventive dental care and treatment of oral diseases, primarily by instructing patients in oral hygiene and performing cleaning treatments. The work also includes examinations, diagnosis of certain oral diseases, and treatment of gum inflammation and cavities. Dental hygienists collaborate closely with dentists and other dental care staff, both within Public Dental Service, private clinics, and sometimes within specialist dental care or school health services. The work environment is characterized by clinical work, precision, and close patient contact, where ergonomics and hygiene routines are central to preventing strain injuries and infection risks.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for dental hygienists has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month. By 2023, the salary increased to 43 400 SEK, which is approximately a 2.7% increase. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 42 900 SEK, a nearly 6.2% increase in one year. The total salary increase during 2022–2024 is thus just over 9%. This positive development can be linked to continued high demand for dental hygienists, increased requirements for preventive dental care, and competition among employers for skilled personnel. The salary increase has been somewhat stronger than the average for healthcare professions, indicating that the role of dental hygienist is becoming increasingly central in Swedish dental care.
Dental hygienist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 42 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 34,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, education ≥3 years)
- Highest salary: 43,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, education <3 years)
- Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
- Women earn: 42 900 SEK/month (99% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 43 400 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on employer and region, often slightly higher in metropolitan areas and within the private sector.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a dental hygienist involves a university-level education that includes both theoretical and practical components in dentistry and hygiene work. The education leads to a professional degree and licensure, which is required to work independently. Clinical practice is a central part of the training and provides important skills in patient interaction and treatments.
- Education: Dental hygienist program, 2–3 years at university or college
- Licensure: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare after completing the education
- Practical training: Clinical training included and mandatory
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific courses in biology and chemistry
- Further education: Opportunities for specialization or master's studies
Many dental hygienists work in teams where communication and collaboration with both dentists and other healthcare professionals are crucial for successful patient outcomes. The profession involves daily contact with people of various ages and backgrounds, making it diverse and socially stimulating.
Common benefits and compensations
Dental hygienists are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and wellness allowances. Other common compensations include evening and weekend work supplements, opportunities for professional development, and insurance through the employer. In some regions and private employers, bonuses or special salary supplements may also be offered.
Competition and challenges
The profession of dental hygienist has been characterized by high demand on the job market for several years, while employers have sometimes faced difficulties in recruiting licensed personnel. Despite good job prospects, there is sometimes competition for attractive positions in metropolitan areas and within specialist dental care. Challenges include work environment risks such as musculoskeletal injuries and stress due to high patient loads. Additionally, the profession requires the ability to handle patients with dental anxiety and to adapt communication to different needs, which places high demands on empathy and pedagogy.
Tips for aspiring dental hygienists
To succeed as a dental hygienist, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in people and good social skills, as much of the work revolves around patient interaction and building trust. Being precise and organized facilitates performing treatments according to high hygiene standards and detailed routines. An analytical mindset helps in diagnostics and choosing treatment methods, while flexibility is needed to handle unexpected situations. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is crucial in team work with colleagues in dental care. Finally, it is important to be curious and willing to continue learning, as new methods and materials are continuously introduced in the profession.
Key facts about Dental Hygienist
- Educational level: University degree (2–3 years)
- Work environment: Clinical work within dental care teams
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
- Gender distribution: High proportion of women, but salary gap favors women
- Special skills: Preventive care and patient education
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open up for specialization in areas such as periodontal treatment, education, or managerial roles at clinics. Some dental hygienists choose to work in research, education, or public health initiatives. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, job opportunities remain large, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox where there are both recruitment difficulties and some leaving the profession or working part-time. A total of 375 job openings were reported in the recent period, underscoring the stable demand for dental hygienists.
Common questions about Dental Hygienist
- What is the average salary of a dental hygienist?
- The average salary for a dental hygienist is 42 900 SEK per month. - What are the gender differences in dental hygienist salaries?
- Women earn an average of 42 900 SEK and men 43 400 SEK, which means women earn about 7% more than men in the profession. - What education is required to become a dental hygienist?
- A dental hygienist program at a university or college, typically 2–3 years, plus licensure from the National Board of Health and Welfare. - What is the job market like for dental hygienists?
- Job opportunities are very good, with great possibilities nationwide and 375 job openings reported recently. - Are there regional salary differences for dental hygienists?
- Yes, salaries may vary depending on employer and region, often slightly higher in metropolitan areas and within the private sector. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a dental hygienist?
- The highest salary is 43,700 SEK (female, private sector). The lowest is 34,500 SEK (male, municipal sector). - What personal qualities are important for dental hygienists?
- Social skills, accuracy, teamwork ability, and pedagogical skills are especially important.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37000 kr | 37500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 44700 kr | 44800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44700 kr | 44800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43400 kr | 43600 kr | |
| 65-68 | 45200 kr | 45200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 42700 kr | 42900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30300 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 101% | 33900 kr | 34200 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 38300 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 41000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 42300 kr | 42500 kr |
| 65-68 | 44400 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 39100 kr | 39200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40300 kr | 46300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37200 kr | 37200 kr | |
| Snitt | 39200 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 38200 kr | 38200 kr | |
| Snitt | 38700 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30300 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 33900 kr | 34000 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 38200 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 41000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 42400 kr | 42600 kr |
| 65-68 | 44400 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 39100 kr | 39200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38400 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 47000 kr | 47100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46100 kr | 46200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44200 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 44400 kr | 44600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38400 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 47000 kr | 47100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46100 kr | 46200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44200 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 44400 kr | 44600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 99% | 42900 kr | 43400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 101% | 33800 kr | 33900 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 36100 kr | 36200 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 42500 kr | 42500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 46300 kr | 46300 kr |
| Snitt | 106% | 37200 kr | 37300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 36100 kr | 36200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 42500 kr | 42500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 46300 kr | 46300 kr |
| Snitt | 106% | 37000 kr | 37100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36300 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 44600 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44800 kr | 44900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43400 kr | 43600 kr | |
| 65-68 | 45200 kr | 45200 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 42700 kr | 42900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30400 kr | 30500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 101% | 34000 kr | 34200 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 38400 kr | 38500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 40900 kr | 41000 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 42300 kr | 42400 kr |
| 65-68 | 44400 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 39200 kr | 39400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 37200 kr | 37200 kr | |
| Snitt | 38200 kr | 40400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 38200 kr | 38200 kr | |
| Snitt | 38700 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 30400 kr | 30500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 103% | 33900 kr | 34100 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 38400 kr | 38500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 40900 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 42400 kr | 42500 kr |
| 65-68 | 44400 kr | 44500 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 39200 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37400 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 46900 kr | 47100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46300 kr | 46400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44200 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 44400 kr | 44500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37400 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 46900 kr | 47100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46300 kr | 46400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44200 kr | 44400 kr | |
| Snitt | 44400 kr | 44500 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Dental hygienist has the SSYK code 3250, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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