Dental Hygienist Salary in Woonsocket, RI: $100,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Woonsocket, RI earns a median $100,007/year (≈ $48.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Woonsocket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $99,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $100,007, which is slightly below the national median of $102,946. With a salary range spanning from $82,622 to $126,562, these figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. Despite the high salary potential in this market, it’s essential for dental professionals to recognize how their earnings compare within the state and the nation, as Massachusetts nearby often offers more competitive salaries for similar roles. The job market for dental hygienists in Woonsocket remains consistent, offering valuable opportunities for licensed professionals aiming to grow their careers in the area.
About the Woonsocket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($85,020) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,622 | $39.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,642 | $42.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,007 | $48.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,766 | $51.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,562 | $60.84 |
Median Salary Position
2.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woonsocket
In Woonsocket, RI, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,940 (2026 est.). At $100,007, the local median is 2.85% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woonsocket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Woonsocket Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Woonsocket median: $100,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woonsocket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $103,420 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -2.85% less |
Dental Hygienists in Woonsocket, RI earn a median of $100,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,420.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woonsocket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woonsocket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,007 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,509 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2020 BLS Actual
$73,695
2025 BLS Actual
$95,299
2026 Current Est.
$100,007
2020–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Woonsocket (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $73,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,216 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,573 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,947 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woonsocket metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 29.3% from $73,695 (2020) to $95,299 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,947 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,252 (42.41%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woonsocket 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,622 – $88,642 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,642 – $100,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,007 – $106,766 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,766 – $126,562 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Woonsocket
Currently, Woonsocket employs nine dental hygienists, indicating a small but stable market for this profession. The cost of living index in the city is 100.5, which is slightly above the national average, potentially impacting the purchasing power of dental hygienists' salaries. Among local employers, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen typically offer the highest compensation packages, often including sign-on bonuses that can significantly enhance earnings for new graduates. Variations in pay can be influenced by factors such as production-based bonuses linked to patient retention and varying workweek schedules, with a 4-day work week generally providing more flexibility and higher overall pay. To maximize earning potential in this market, dental hygienists should strategically consider employment at DSOs while also negotiating for benefits that contribute to long-term financial stability.
More salary data for Woonsocket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Woonsocket, RI in 2026?
Is Woonsocket, RI a good place to work as a dental hygienist?
Can dental hygienists make $100K in Woonsocket?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,299 for dental hygienistsin the Woonsocket metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woonsocket 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