The highest paying locations for dental hygienists are primarily in cities like Fairbanks, Alaska, where the average annual salary reaches approximately $113,190, and San Jose, California, with an average of about $112,210. Other top-paying cities include Anchorage, Alaska, earning around $110,800, San Francisco, California, with approximately $109,750, and Santa Rosa, California, at about $108,010. These higher salaries are often attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for dental services, and regional economic conditions. Working in these cities can offer dental hygienists greater earning potential, especially for those with specialized skills or extensive experience, making them some of the most lucrative markets in the United States.