Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Gainesville, FL: $42.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Gainesville, FL runs $42.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,937 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.7, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,355 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gainesville, Florida, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $42.75, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly figure makes the profession lucrative for both full-time and part-time practitioners. Part-time hygienists, working about three days a week, can expect earnings that can still surpass many other hourly roles, enabling a desirable work-life balance. The pay range for dental hygienists in the area varies, starting from $38.84 at the 10th percentile to $47.79 at the 90th percentile. These numbers are grounded in the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, showcasing the competitive environment for dental health professionals in Gainesville, which includes employment settings such as general practices, pediatric clinics, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs).
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.84 | $310.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.91 | $319.27 |
| Median (P50) | $42.75 | $342.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.72 | $373.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.79 | $382.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $42.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.75/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, FL can expect to earn approximately $88,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,303. With a cost-of-living index of 96.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,710.10 | $7,410 | $88,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,026.06 | $4,446 | $53,355 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $684.04 | $2,964 | $35,570 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Gainesville) | $42.75 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Gainesville, FL earn a median of $88,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.70% below the Florida state average of $96,356.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.75/hr = $53,355/year (purchasing power: $55,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,925/year (purchasing power: $91,929).
CoL index: 96.733 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.75/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Gainesville (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gainesville grew 26.7% from $32.16/hr (2020) to $40.74/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.86/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gainesville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Gainesville
For part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours a week, their overall take-home pay can be substantial, generally reflecting around $53,200 annually. In comparison to full-time positions, this allows for flexibility that many seek in their careers. Per diem or agency work offers another layer of financial opportunity, with some temp agencies in larger metropolitan areas paying between $40 and $60 per hour, while higher-cost living cities can demand up to $85 per hour. In Gainesville, dental hygienists' hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, solo practices may offer lower pay compared to multi-doctor group practices or DSOs that often include lucrative benefits alongside competitive wages. Understanding the potential trade-offs, such as opting for a lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance, is crucial for workers in the field. Negotiation can be key, and it’s advisable for professionals in Gainesville to research and discuss rates thoroughly, considering factors like employer size and patient load when determining acceptable pay.
More salary data for Gainesville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Gainesville?
Are dental hygienists in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Gainesville?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Gainesville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov