Laramie vs Rock Springs: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Laramie, WY and Rock Springs, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laramie, WY | Rock Springs, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,474▲ | $92,679 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.87▲ | $44.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,681 | $76,538▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,118▲ | $81,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,540▲ | $101,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,137▲ | $113,995 |
| Total Employed | 9▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Laramie, WY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Springs.
The salary gap between Laramie and Rock Springs is $4,795 (5.17%). 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 Laramie spans $42,456,Rock Springs spans $37,457. Laramie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Laramie ($101,747 effective) pays 5.17% more than Rock Springs ($96,742 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Rock Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Laramie grew 28.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Rock Springs over the same period.
Laramie, WY
$72,462 (2020) → $92,885 (2025)
Rock Springs, WY
$68,898 (2020) → $88,316 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laramie, WY
Rock Springs, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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