Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $63.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $63.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, dental hygienists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $63.12 in 2026, considerably higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. This robust hourly rate can be particularly advantageous for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, enabling them to earn significant income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can expect to take home a substantial income given this pay structure. The hourly earnings for hygienists vary greatly, with entry-level positions starting around $47.94, while experienced professionals can command up to $78.96, allowing for a diverse range of incomes within the field. Moreover, these rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the healthy demand and competitive nature of the profession in this coastal city.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $47.94 | $383.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.16 | $425.30 |
| Median (P50) | $63.12 | $504.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.94 | $551.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.96 | $631.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $63.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.12/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,293 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,746. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,524.86 | $10,941 | $131,293 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,514.91 | $6,565 | $78,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.94 | $4,376 | $52,517 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Santa Monica) | $63.12 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $131,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.54% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.10% above the California state average of $129,868.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.12/hr = $78,776/year (purchasing power: $69,651).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,293/year (purchasing power: $116,085).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$53.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.12/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Santa Monica (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $53.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Santa Monica grew 12.5% from $53.46/hr (2020) to $60.15/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.24/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
Shifting focus to part-time and per-diem roles, dental hygienists can find varying earning potential based on their hours worked. For example, a hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $78,217 annually, representing substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts who typically work 40 hours. Per diem positions, which offer more flexible scheduling, generally pay between $40 to $60 per hour for agency and locum tenens work, aligning with rates seen in high-cost-of-living cities like Santa Monica. However, rates can differ based on the type of employer—solo practices might offer lower compensation compared to larger dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen, which often incorporate benefits but may also include sign-on bonuses. For many dental hygienists, striking a balance between a higher hourly pay rate and benefits such as health insurance is a pivotal consideration. Engaging in thoughtful negotiation can greatly impact a hygienist's overall satisfaction and financial health, especially in the dynamic environment of Santa Monica, CA.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Santa Monica?
Are dental hygienists in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Santa Monica?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Monica?
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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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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