Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $63.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Anaheim, CA runs $63.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, CA, the median hourly pay for dental hygienists is projected to be $63.15 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This favorable hourly rate positions dental hygienists in Anaheim as strong earners within the field, which is particularly beneficial for those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week could generate substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedule. The hourly wage for entry-level positions starts at around $45.38, while experienced professionals in the field can earn upwards of $84.91, reflecting the wide-ranging pay scale available in various practice settings such as general dentistry, specialty clinics, and public health efforts.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.38 | $363.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.67 | $413.38 |
| Median (P50) | $63.15 | $505.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.82 | $574.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.91 | $679.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $63.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.15/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,783. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,526.12 | $10,947 | $131,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,515.67 | $6,568 | $78,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,010.45 | $4,379 | $52,543 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Anaheim) | $63.15 |
| 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 Anaheim, CA earn a median of $131,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.59% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.10% above the California state average of $129,923.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.15/hr = $78,815/year (purchasing power: $69,686).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,358/year (purchasing power: $116,143).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$56.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.15/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Anaheim (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Anaheim grew 6.5% from $56.53/hr (2020) to $60.18/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.27/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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim
When examining the earning potential for part-time registered dental hygienists (RDHs) in Anaheim, it’s worth noting that those working just 24 hours a week at the projected hourly rate could bring home a substantial annual income, although still lower than full-time counterparts. Additionally, per diem positions have become increasingly popular as they allow hygienists to command hourly wages on demand, typically ranging from $40 to $60, with potential increases in high-cost living areas or specialized practices. The pay structure can vary significantly depending on the employer type; for example, solo practices may offer different compensation compared to large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often entice applicants with sign-on bonuses. Dental hygienists must weigh their willingness to accept potentially lower hourly compensation at private offices against the benefits provided by employers, particularly health insurance coverage. Negotiation is key in this hourly wage market, and understanding the specific landscape of dental hygienist hourly pay in Anaheim can empower professionals to secure competitive wages tailored to their career goals.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Anaheim?
Are dental hygienists in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Anaheim?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
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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 Anaheim. 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 Anaheim 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