Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Dartmouth, MA: $48.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Dartmouth, MA runs $48.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Dartmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists is set at $48.77, just below the national median of $49.49. This pay structure presents a promising opportunity for both part-time and per-diem hygienists working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For those seeking flexible work schedules, a part-time position that offers three days a week could lead to substantial earnings while accommodating personal commitments. In addition, entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn around $36.88 per hour, while top earners can command rates as high as $62.31 hourly, based on estimates derived from annual salary data projected for 2026.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.88 | $295.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.71 | $325.65 |
| Median (P50) | $48.77 | $390.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.40 | $435.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.31 | $498.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dartmouth
Based on $48.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.77/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dartmouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $101,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,519. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dartmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dartmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,950.62 | $8,453 | $101,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.37 | $5,072 | $60,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.25 | $3,381 | $40,573 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Dartmouth) | $48.77 |
| 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 Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $101,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,130.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.77/hr = $60,859/year (purchasing power: $56,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,432/year (purchasing power: $93,486).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.77/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Dartmouth (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Dartmouth grew 15.3% from $40.32/hr (2020) to $46.47/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.17/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 Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Analyzing the financial landscape reveals intriguing earning possibilities, particularly for those considering part-time work. A part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home a solid income, significantly different from a full-time professional. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Dartmouth is influenced by local demand, with temp agencies offering rates that can range greatly, often between $40 and $60 per hour, especially for positions in higher-cost living cities. Different practice settings also have differing pay scales; for example, solo practices may offer lower hourly rates compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that might include benefits. For many hygienists, accepting a lower hourly rate could make sense if it comes with health insurance and additional job security. Negotiating for desirable hourly pay and benefits should be approached thoughtfully, particularly in a competitive market where RDHs may find varied opportunities, especially with the ongoing consolidation in the dental field.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Dartmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Dartmouth?
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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 Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth 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