Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pawtucket, RI: $49.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pawtucket, RI runs $49.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,348 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pawtucket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,012 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a competitive $49.69 per hour, slightly exceeding the national average of $49.49 per hour. This hourly rate offers substantial opportunities for part-time employment, especially for those working in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. Part-time hygienists working three days a week can expect an attractive income, while per-diem workers may find flexible schedules that cater to their lifestyle preferences. The hourly rates in Pawtucket vary significantly, starting at $36.83 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $66.06 per hour for highly experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary data and illustrate the potential for dental hygienists to thrive in diverse environments across the city.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($85,020) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.83 | $294.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.14 | $329.09 |
| Median (P50) | $49.69 | $397.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.60 | $436.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.06 | $528.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pawtucket
Based on $49.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.69/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pawtucket, RI can expect to earn approximately $103,353 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,627. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pawtucket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pawtucket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,987.56 | $8,613 | $103,353 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,192.54 | $5,168 | $62,012 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $795.03 | $3,445 | $41,341 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pawtucket) | $49.69 |
| 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 Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $103,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,452.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.69/hr = $62,012/year (purchasing power: $61,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,353/year (purchasing power: $102,839).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$36.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.69/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pawtucket (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pawtucket grew 29.3% from $36.61/hr (2020) to $47.35/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.14/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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
For those considering part-time work in Pawtucket, a dental hygienist who commits to a 24-hour workweek can take home around $61,892 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time income but still respectable. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Pawtucket to agency workers typically ranges from $40 to $60 per hour, with higher rates becoming more common in metropolitan areas. The type of employer greatly influences hourly pay rates; while solo dental practices might offer lower wages, multi-doctor offices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like-heartland or Aspen often provide enticing packages and incentives. Additionally, some hygienists opt for roles with lower hourly pay due to benefits such as health insurance—essential for those who prioritize stability. To maximize earning potential, professionals might consider negotiating their charges based on the flexibility of their work schedule and the benefits package, which can vary significantly across different employers in Pawtucket.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pawtucket in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Pawtucket?
Are dental hygienists in Pawtucket paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Pawtucket?
Related Pages
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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
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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket 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