Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $62.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in San Clemente, CA runs $62.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,187 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienist hourly pay in San Clemente, CA, is projected to be quite competitive in 2026, with a median hourly rate of $62.11. This figure significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $49.49, reflecting the local job market's demand for proficient dental hygienists. For those working part-time—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a robust income that allows for flexibility while still securing financial stability. The hourly range in San Clemente sees entry-level positions starting at approximately $45.53 and high earners reaching up to $81.86. Such rates present an attractive option for per-diem dental hygienists, who often find various opportunities in general dentistry settings, specialty suites, or through temporary placements.
About the San Clemente 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) | $45.53 | $364.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.46 | $427.65 |
| Median (P50) | $62.11 | $496.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.33 | $562.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.86 | $654.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $62.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.11/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,197 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,537. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,484.56 | $10,766 | $129,197 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,490.74 | $6,460 | $77,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $993.82 | $4,307 | $51,679 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (San Clemente) | $62.11 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $129,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.49% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.60% below the California state average of $129,967.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.11/hr = $77,518/year (purchasing power: $68,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,197/year (purchasing power: $114,233).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.11/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in San Clemente (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in San Clemente grew 12.5% from $52.60/hr (2020) to $59.19/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.18/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
For those considering part-time positions, a dental hygienist working 24 hours per week effectively brings home about $76,000 annually, a rate that competes favorably against full-time salaries in the region. In the per-diem space, pay scales vary widely, often influenced by the type of practice. Temp agencies provide a pay range of $40 to $60 per hour but can escalate in higher-cost-of-living areas, pushing rates toward $60 to $85 per hour. Employment in solo practices or Dental Service Organizations in San Clemente can also affect hourly wage, as DSOs frequently offer additional benefits that may lower hourly pay rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks. For those negotiating their hourly pay, it's advisable to clarify the range of offered benefits when assessing the complete compensation package, balancing higher hourly rates against the financial security of health-related coverage.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in San Clemente?
Are dental hygienists in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in San Clemente?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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