Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Platteville, WI: $45.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Platteville, WI runs $45.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Platteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly earnings for dental hygienists in Platteville, Wisconsin, are projected to be a median of $45.24, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate allows for flexibility in various work environments, including general dentistry operatives and specialty offices. For professionals working part-time—let’s say three days a week—this rate translates to a weekly income that can support a comfortable lifestyle, especially in a region with a cost of living index below the national average. The hourly range in Platteville extends from about $38.38 for entry-level positions to $55.17 for experienced practitioners, illustrating the potential for advancement in this field. Of course, these figures stem from annual salary data, yet they highlight a viable wage structure for both full-time and per diem dental hygienists in this Quintessential Wisconsin town.
About the Platteville Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.38 | $307.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.57 | $316.58 |
| Median (P50) | $45.24 | $361.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.15 | $393.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.17 | $441.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Platteville
Based on $45.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.24/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Platteville, WI can expect to earn approximately $94,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,288. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Platteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Platteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,809.59 | $7,842 | $94,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,085.75 | $4,705 | $56,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.83 | $3,137 | $37,639 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Platteville) | $45.24 |
| 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 Platteville, WI earn a median of $94,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,741.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.24/hr = $56,459/year (purchasing power: $60,449).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,098/year (purchasing power: $100,748).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.24/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Platteville (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Platteville grew 36.0% from $31.71/hr (2020) to $43.11/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.47/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 Platteville 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 Platteville
When considering the financial reality for a part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours a week, annual take-home pay can vary significantly compared to full-time counterparts. With a median hourly rate of $45.24, working part-time translates to approximately $56,000 annually, which is still a competitive income in the Platteville area. For those exploring per diem opportunities, particularly with agencies, pay can range from $40 to $60 an hour, depending on the geographic context and urgency of the staffing need. Generally, high-cost cities can push wages even higher, but such contracts are less common in hygienist work. The hourly rates also differ across employer types, with Dental Service Organizations often providing lucrative, albeit slightly lower, benefits compared to solo practices. Many hygienists make a trade-off between accepting lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance versus pursuing higher pay without additional perks. Effective negotiation skills can be advantageous, especially in a market such as Platteville’s, where understanding local compensation trends can enhance one's earning potential.
More salary data for Platteville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Platteville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Platteville?
Are dental hygienists in Platteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Platteville?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Platteville?
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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 Platteville. 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 Platteville 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