Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $49.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bristol, CT runs $49.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,802 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $49.52, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive rate allows for considerable earning potential, especially for those who opt for part-time positions or per-diem roles, common in various settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal specialty suites, and pediatric exam rooms. Entry-level dental hygienists in Bristol can expect to start around $36.16 per hour, while the upper echelon of earners can reach up to $65.03 per hour. Hourly wages are estimated from annual salary data, highlighting the financial viability of pursuing a career as a dental hygienist in this Connecticut city.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($96,547) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.56 | $348.48 |
| Median (P50) | $49.52 | $396.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.97 | $447.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.03 | $520.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $49.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $103,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,425. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,980.85 | $8,584 | $103,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,188.51 | $5,150 | $61,802 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $792.34 | $3,433 | $41,202 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bristol) | $49.52 |
| 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 Bristol, CT earn a median of $103,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $103,840.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.52/hr = $61,802/year (purchasing power: $57,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,004/year (purchasing power: $95,463).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bristol (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bristol grew 14.9% from $41.06/hr (2020) to $47.19/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.97/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Under a part-time schedule, such as working three days a week for 24 hours, a dental hygienist in Bristol can expect a significant annual income, although it would fall short of full-time earnings. Per-diem opportunities can range between $40 and $60 per hour, while higher-cost living metropolitan areas could potentially exceed $60 to $85 per hour. Different types of practice also influence pay—solo dental practices may offer lower hourly rates compared to Dental Service Organizations like Heartland Dental or larger group practices, which might provide benefits alongside pay. Dental hygienists must weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance coverage. Negotiation strategies tailored for the unique job market in Bristol are essential, as RDHs can enhance their prospects by researching employer pay scales and articulating their value effectively.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bristol?
Are dental hygienists in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Bristol?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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