Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Groton, CT: $48.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Groton, CT runs $48.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,654 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Groton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,388 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Groton, Connecticut, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $48.39, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.49. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to an annual income of around $37,000, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible employment in various settings. Per-diem workers, who often operate in general dentistry environments, periodontal clinics, and even mobile health units, have hourly pay that typically varies between $36.16 and $61.38. This broad range reflects the disparity between entry-level positions and the potential for top earners, who can command higher rates, particularly in more specialized or high-demand areas.
About the Groton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($96,547) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.06 | $344.46 |
| Median (P50) | $48.39 | $387.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.68 | $429.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.38 | $491.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Groton
Based on $48.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.39/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Groton, CT can expect to earn approximately $100,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,065. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Groton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Groton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,935.51 | $8,387 | $100,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.31 | $5,032 | $60,388 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.21 | $3,355 | $40,259 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Groton) | $48.39 |
| 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 Groton, CT earn a median of $100,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $103,874.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.39/hr = $60,388/year (purchasing power: $55,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,647/year (purchasing power: $93,278).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.39/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Groton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Groton grew 14.9% from $40.13/hr (2020) to $46.11/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.78/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 Groton 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 Groton
When considering part-time work, a dental hygienist in Groton holding a consistent schedule of 24 hours a week would take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts earning an hourly rate for a full-time workload. Temp agencies in the region tend to offer dental hygienists between $40 to $60 per hour, depending on demand and specialization. Factors influencing hourly wages can also include the type of employer—solo practices may offer lower pay compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often provide additional benefits like health insurance. The decision to accept lower pay for benefits versus pursuing higher wages without them remains a personal choice for many in the field. Negotiating an hourly rate can be advantageous, especially if you're aware of the market standards and prepared to discuss your qualifications with potential employers in Groton.
More salary data for Groton, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Groton. 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 Groton 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