Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $29.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Northport, AL runs $29.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,194 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northport, Alabama, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $29.80, significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This cost disparity highlights the regional differences in the dental hygiene profession, especially for those working in various clinical environments such as general dentistry practices, periodontal offices, or public health clinics. For part-time hygienists working three days a week, the hourly pay can equate to a flexible income, but those seeking per diem positions may find different earning potentials. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Northport varies from $22.67 for entry-level roles to $36.47 for those in top-paying positions, reflecting an array of experience and specialization.
About the Northport Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($60,310) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.67 | $181.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.97 | $199.72 |
| Median (P50) | $29.80 | $238.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.17 | $257.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.47 | $291.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $29.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.80/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $61,990 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,764. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.12 | $5,166 | $61,990 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.27 | $3,100 | $37,194 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.85 | $2,066 | $24,796 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Northport) | $29.80 |
| 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 Northport, AL earn a median of $61,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.78% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $63,515.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.80/hr = $37,194/year (purchasing power: $42,314).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,990/year (purchasing power: $70,524).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.80/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Northport (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Northport grew 18.5% from $23.97/hr (2020) to $28.40/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.28/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 Northport 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 Northport
The potential earnings for a part-time dental hygienist in Northport, who typically works 24 hours a week, would total around $46,944 annually, compared to full-time professionals who may earn significantly more if they choose to work full-time hours. This distinction is critical, especially for those considering per diem positions, as temporary roles often pay between $40 and $60 an hour in various metropolitan areas, while major cities can offer even higher rates. Additionally, differences in pay can arise from the type of practice, whether a solo endeavor, multi-doctor group, or a Dental Service Organization like Heartland or Aspen. Many may choose lower hourly rates when benefits such as health insurance are included, weighing flexibility against financial stability. Understanding these dynamics will better prepare dental hygienists in Northport for negotiations about their hourly wages.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Northport in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Northport?
Are dental hygienists in Northport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Northport?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Northport?
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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 Northport. 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 Northport 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