Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $64.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Fullerton, CA runs $64.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, CA, dental hygienists earn a competitive hourly rate of $64.16, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This robust figure reflects both the local demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as general dentistry, pediatric care, and public health clinics. For those who prefer flexible work schedules, the typical part-time arrangement of three days a week could yield about $61,000 annually. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Fullerton varies from approximately $47.18 for entry-level positions to $83.91 for top earners, illustrating a clear progression based on experience and specialization. The rates mentioned here are based on estimated annual salaries converted into hourly figures, showcasing the financial potential of this rewarding career path.
About the Fullerton 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) | $47.18 | $377.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.20 | $425.64 |
| Median (P50) | $64.16 | $513.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.83 | $574.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.91 | $671.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $64.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.16/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,453 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,992. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,566.41 | $11,121 | $133,453 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,539.85 | $6,673 | $80,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,026.57 | $4,448 | $53,381 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Fullerton) | $64.16 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $133,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.63% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.70% above the California state average of $129,937.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.16/hr = $80,072/year (purchasing power: $70,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,453/year (purchasing power: $117,996).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$54.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.16/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Fullerton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $54.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fullerton grew 12.5% from $54.33/hr (2020) to $61.14/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.33/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists in Fullerton reveals interesting financial dynamics. A hygienist working 24 hours a week could bring home around $61,000 annually, showcasing an attractive option for those balancing work with personal commitments. Conversely, per diem dental hygienist pay in Fullerton tends to fluctuate between $40 to $60 per hour through temp agencies, with high-cost cities driving rates upward. Different employer types also impact earnings; dental hygienists at large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may receive more substantial benefits like health insurance but might offer lower hourly rates compared to solo practices. As negotiations unfold, it's essential for Fullerton dental hygienists to weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits. Ultimately, effective negotiation strategies can lead to better pay packages, allowing for a balance between financial compensation and job satisfaction in this thriving sector.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fullerton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Fullerton?
Are dental hygienists in Fullerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Fullerton?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Fullerton?
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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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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