Lander vs Laramie: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Lander, WY and Laramie, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lander, WY | Laramie, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,511 | $97,474▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.44 | $46.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,812▲ | $75,681 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,934 | $83,118▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,851 | $104,540▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,344 | $118,137▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 9▲ |
Verdict
Laramie, WY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lander.
The salary gap between Lander and Laramie is $2,963 (3.14%). Laramie's median is -5.32% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lander spans $38,532,Laramie spans $42,456. Laramie 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, Laramie ($101,747 effective) pays 3.14% more than Lander ($98,654 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lander if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Laramie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,474/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,137)
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,747)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Lander grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Laramie over the same period.
Lander, WY
$77,191 (2024) → $90,062 (2025)
Laramie, WY
$72,462 (2020) → $92,885 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lander, WY
Laramie, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Lander or Laramie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lander and Laramie?
Should I relocate from Lander to Laramie 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