Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, DE: $46.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Smyrna, DE runs $46.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,201 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Delaware, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists stands at $46.64, which is somewhat below the national median of $49.49. This rate has implications for various employment structures within the profession. For part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, or around 24 hours, this translates to a significant income, allowing for flexible scheduling without forgoing financial stability. The hourly range here varies widely, with entry-level hygienists earning approximately $38.88 per hour at the 10th percentile, while experienced professionals and top earners in the field can reach up to $56.11 per hour. This range reflects the diverse settings in which dental hygienists operate, from general dentistry offices to specialty practices and public health clinics.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($97,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.88 | $311.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.36 | $330.85 |
| Median (P50) | $46.64 | $373.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.20 | $401.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.11 | $448.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $46.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.64/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, DE can expect to earn approximately $97,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,962. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,865.41 | $8,083 | $97,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,119.25 | $4,850 | $58,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.17 | $3,233 | $38,801 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Smyrna) | $46.64 |
| 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 Smyrna, DE earn a median of $96,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $104,745.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.64/hr = $58,201/year (purchasing power: $57,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,001/year (purchasing power: $95,380).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$31.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.64/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+54.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Smyrna (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Smyrna grew 39.8% from $31.78/hr (2020) to $44.44/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.94/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Focusing on the earning potential for dental hygienists in Smyrna reveals distinct opportunities and challenges related to work type. A part-time hygienist can expect to earn around $58,563 annually at the median rate while enjoying the benefits of a flexible schedule. In contrast, per diem dental hygienists often find themselves earning anywhere from $40 to $60 per hour through temp agencies, depending on their location and demand. Unique to the industry, some hygienists work within various employer types, including solo dental practices, multi-doctor group practices, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), pediatric offices, and even public health entities, further influencing pay structures. Many dental hygienists weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates and the benefits that come with full-time employment, such as health insurance. For those negotiating rates in Smyrna, it’s vital to research typical compensation from different employers and consider what benefits, if any, accompany the hourly pay to ensure a comprehensive understanding of overall job satisfaction and financial health.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Smyrna?
Are dental hygienists in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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