Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Inglewood, CA: $63.73 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Inglewood, CA runs $63.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Inglewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,535 per year.

$132,553
Median Annual Salary
$63.73/hr
Hourly Rate
$96,608
Entry Level (P10)
$180,118
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Inglewood, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Inglewood, CA dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Inglewood, California, offers a competitive dental hygienist hourly pay at $63.73, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This robust hourly rate sets the stage for lucrative opportunities, especially for dental hygienists who choose part-time roles or per-diem work across various clinical settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and public health clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $46.45 for entry-level hygienists to as much as $86.60 for top professionals, the financial landscape in Inglewood presents a promising environment for those in the dental hygiene field. Hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the local demand for skilled professionals amidst the ongoing consolidation in the dental service industry.

About the Inglewood Market

Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$46.45$371.57
Lower Range (P25)$52.34$418.75
Median (P50)$63.73$509.84
Upper Range (P75)$69.42$555.34
Top Earners (P90)$86.60$692.77

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inglewood

Based on $63.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Inglewood earning $63.73/hr would make approximately $76,476 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $132,559 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$76,476Reduced (32 hr/wk)$101,968Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$132,559

At $63.73/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inglewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $132,559 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,476. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Inglewood.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$509.84
per 8hr shift
$2,549.20
per week
$11,047
per month
$132,559
per year

Schedule Comparison in Inglewood

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,549.20$11,047$132,559
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,529.52$6,628$79,535
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,019.68$4,419$53,023

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Inglewood)$63.73
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Inglewood ($132,553) with California average ($129,954) and the US national median ($102,946).Inglewood$132,553California Avg$129,954+2.00%US National$102,946+28.76%

Dental Hygienists in Inglewood, CA earn a median of $132,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.76% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.00% above the California state average of $129,954.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $63.73/hr = $79,535/year (purchasing power: $70,323).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,559/year (purchasing power: $117,205).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2020 BLS Actual

$53.97/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$60.73/hr

2026 Current Est.

$63.73/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+23.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Inglewood (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Inglewood. Baseline $53.97/hr in 2025, projected to $66.88/hr by 2027.$49$54$59$65$70202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$53.97$51.82$54.16$59.10$52.72$60.73$63.73$66.88
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$53.97/hrActual
2021$51.82/hrActual
2022$54.16/hrActual
2023$59.10/hrActual
2024$52.72/hrActual
2025$60.73/hrActual
2026(current)$63.73/hrEstimated
2027$66.88/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Inglewood grew 12.5% from $53.97/hr (2020) to $60.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inglewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Inglewood

For those considering part-time positions, a typical schedule of three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can yield an annual take-home that may significantly differ from full-time earnings. A part-time dental hygienist in Inglewood, working this schedule, would likely earn handsomely while having the flexibility to manage other commitments. Furthermore, per diem dental hygienist pay in Inglewood can vary widely, with local agencies offering between $40 to $60 per hour, in line with broader trends seen in high cost-of-living areas. DSO practices increasingly dominate the market, often providing attractive pay packages, including sign-on bonuses for new grads, but this can entail a trade-off with benefits and job security. For those negotiating their hourly rates, understanding the specifics of different employer types can be crucial; while solo practices might offer a lower rate, they may also provide a more personal workplace atmosphere. Conversely, larger organizations like Heartland or Pacific Dental often promise higher pay in exchange for reduced autonomy and less personalized care environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Inglewood in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Inglewood is $63.73/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $46.45 at entry level (10th percentile) to $86.60 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 28.8% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Inglewood?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Inglewood earns approximately $6,628/month, or $79,535/year at the median hourly rate of $63.73. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Inglewood paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Inglewood are paid hourly at a median rate of $63.73/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $132,559/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Inglewood?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Inglewood earns approximately $132,559/year at the median hourly rate of $63.73. This is 28.8% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $180,121/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Inglewood?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Inglewood sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $86.60/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Inglewood. 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 Inglewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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