Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $63.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Richmond, CA runs $63.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,364 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, California, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 is an impressive $63.64, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This substantial difference indicates that dental hygienists in Richmond can expect enhanced earning potential, particularly advantageous for part-time professionals who may work three days a week. For those working in diverse settings such as general dental practices, public health clinics, or pediatric specialty offices, the ability to earn within a range that starts at $45.98 for entry-level positions and extends to $82.16 for the most experienced practitioners makes pursuing a career in this field appealing. The data also suggest that this hourly rate is derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the necessary compensation for the high cost of living in the region.
About the Richmond 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) | $45.98 | $367.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.16 | $417.24 |
| Median (P50) | $63.64 | $509.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.61 | $564.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.16 | $657.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $63.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.64/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $132,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,363. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,545.42 | $11,030 | $132,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,527.25 | $6,618 | $79,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,018.17 | $4,412 | $52,945 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Richmond) | $63.64 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $132,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.58% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.90% above the California state average of $129,896.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.64/hr = $79,417/year (purchasing power: $70,219).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,362/year (purchasing power: $117,031).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$53.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.64/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Richmond (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $53.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Richmond grew 12.5% from $53.89/hr (2020) to $60.64/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.78/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering part-time work, a dental hygienist in Richmond operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule could anticipate a take-home pay that outshines their full-time counterparts due to flexibility. For per diem or agency work, dental hygienists often see increased earnings, as many temporary positions across high-cost areas like San Francisco can reach between $60 and $85 per hour. In Richmond, various employer types, from dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Pacific Dental to smaller independent practices, influence hourly rates. Generally, private practices tend to offer lower wages compared to DSOs, which may provide benefits and stability. This creates a situation where some dental hygienists are willing to accept lower hourly compensation for the security of health insurance. For those in the Richmond area, negotiating pay based on their specific work environment and leveraging their skills in an evolving market can significantly impact their earnings.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Richmond in 2026?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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