Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $63.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Buena Park, CA runs $63.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,933 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $63.25, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $49.49. This advantageous pay rate is particularly appealing for professionals working part-time or in per-diem roles, as it translates to robust earnings even with a reduced schedule. For example, a part-time dental hygienist working three days a week might bring home a substantial income while enjoying a flexible work-life balance. The hourly earnings for dental hygienists in Buena Park range from $48.29 for entry-level positions up to $79.53 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in various settings, including general dentistry offices, specialty clinics, and public health facilities. The hourly figures are based on projected annual salary estimates compiled from 2025 BLS data and detailed salary research.
About the Buena Park 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) | $48.29 | $386.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.42 | $427.40 |
| Median (P50) | $63.25 | $505.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.18 | $553.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.53 | $636.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $63.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.25/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,897. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,529.89 | $10,963 | $131,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,517.94 | $6,578 | $78,933 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,011.96 | $4,385 | $52,622 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Buena Park) | $63.25 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $131,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.79% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.30% above the California state average of $129,866.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.25/hr = $78,933/year (purchasing power: $69,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,554/year (purchasing power: $116,317).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$53.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.25/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Buena Park (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $53.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Buena Park grew 12.5% from $53.56/hr (2020) to $60.27/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.37/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
For those considering part-time employment, a dental hygienist working 24 hours per week would still see a significant annual income, hovering around $78,610, compared to a full-time colleague who could earn over $131,554 annually. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Buena Park varies, with some professionals opting for agency work where compensation can range between $40 and $60 an hour. However, in high-cost-of-living areas such as San Francisco or New York City, pay can escalate to $60-$85 per hour. Local employer types also impact compensation significantly; dental hygienists in private practices may earn slightly less than those in Dental Service Organizations like Heartland or Pacific Dental Services, which often offer additional benefits such as health insurance. Therefore, while some hygienists may choose positions with lower hourly rates for the peace of mind that comes with benefits, others may prefer the flexibility and higher wages available in niche sectors. Understanding these dynamics can aid professionals in making informed career choices and negotiating pay effectively in Buena Park.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Buena Park in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Buena Park?
Are dental hygienists in Buena Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Buena Park?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Buena Park?
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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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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