Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $60.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in University Place, WA runs $60.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,529 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,920 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, WA, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $60.83 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This favorable rate allows both part-time and per-diem workers to earn a competitive wage, making it appealing for those seeking flexibility in their work schedules. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week can secure substantial earnings while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay for dental hygienists ranges from $46.69 at the entry-level (P10) to approximately $78.54 for the highest earners (P90), reflecting varying levels of experience and expertise across different settings such as general dentistry operatories, specialty suites, and public health initiatives.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.69 | $373.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.28 | $410.27 |
| Median (P50) | $60.83 | $486.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.77 | $518.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.54 | $628.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $60.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.83/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $126,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,000. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,433.35 | $10,545 | $126,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,460.01 | $6,327 | $75,920 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $973.34 | $4,218 | $50,614 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (University Place) | $60.83 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $126,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.91% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $128,980.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.83/hr = $75,920/year (purchasing power: $70,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,534/year (purchasing power: $117,816).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$46.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.83/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in University Place (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in University Place grew 25.0% from $46.37/hr (2020) to $57.97/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.84/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 University Place 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 University Place
When considering the earning potential of part-time and per-diem dental hygienists in University Place, those working 24 hours per week may earn considerably less than full-time professionals yet still manage a solid income. Typically, part-time hygienists working at this hourly rate might achieve a more stable annual earnings through consistent shifts, despite not reaching the full-time income bracket. Meanwhile, per diem positions, especially those sourced through temp agencies, can pay between $40-$60/hour, although those in high cost-of-living areas might see rates climbing to $60-$85/hour. Employer types also influence hourly earnings, with dental hygienists in larger multi-doctor practices or Dental Service Organizations often enjoying higher pay alongside stable benefits, while private practices might offer lower rates but allow for more individualized working environments. Negotiation is critical in this context; understanding the value of benefits versus higher hourly pay can create leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in University Place?
Are dental hygienists in University Place paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in University Place?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in University Place?
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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