Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Ashland, KY: $37.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Ashland, KY runs $37.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Ashland's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,820 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $37.52, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This disparity indicates that dental hygienists in this area may consider their earnings when seeking part-time positions, such as those working three days a week. For those interested in per-diem opportunities, the hourly pay structure can facilitate a flexible work schedule across various settings, such as general dentistry offices and public health clinics. Entry-level professionals might earn around $29.61 per hour, while top earners could achieve rates as high as $44.86 per hour, allowing for a significant range based on experience and specialty.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($78,073) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.61 | $236.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.17 | $257.40 |
| Median (P50) | $37.52 | $300.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.10 | $320.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.86 | $358.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashland
Based on $37.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashland, KY can expect to earn approximately $78,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,019. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ashland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,500.64 | $6,503 | $78,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $900.39 | $3,902 | $46,820 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.26 | $2,601 | $31,213 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Ashland) | $37.52 |
| 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 Ashland, KY earn a median of $78,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.20% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.20% below the Kentucky state average of $81,449.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.52/hr = $46,820/year (purchasing power: $52,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,033/year (purchasing power: $87,383).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Ashland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ashland grew 23.5% from $28.95/hr (2020) to $35.75/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.37/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 Ashland 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 Ashland
Exploring part-time earnings for a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week in Ashland reveals an annual income of approximately $46,752, which can be attractive for those balancing other commitments. For hygienists considering agency or locum work, it’s important to recognize that per diem dental hygienist pay in Ashland can often be lower compared to larger metropolitan areas, where top rates can reach $60-85 per hour. Furthermore, the appeal of different employment types, such as solo practices versus larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), plays a role in compensation structures. Some professionals may find a lower hourly pay appealing if it comes with comprehensive health benefits, contrasting with higher pay that lacks such perks. When negotiating pay, dental hygienists in Ashland are encouraged to understand local market conditions and benefits offered by various employers, aiding them in securing a compensation package that reflects both their skills and the demands of the role.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ashland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Ashland?
Are dental hygienists in Ashland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Ashland?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Ashland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Ashland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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