Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Albany, GA: $39.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Albany, GA runs $39.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.7, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,885 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albany, Georgia, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $39.97, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This disparity highlights the local economic conditions and demand for dental hygienists in the area. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly rate translates to substantial earnings while allowing for flexible schedules often found in general dentistry or specialty practices. Entry-level hygienists can expect wages starting around $31.43 per hour, while those reaching the top of the pay scale may earn up to $46.66 hourly. These figures, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates based on 2025 data projected to 2026, reflect the realities of working as a dental hygienist in Albany.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.43 | $251.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.24 | $297.95 |
| Median (P50) | $39.97 | $319.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.94 | $367.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.66 | $373.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $39.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.97/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, GA can expect to earn approximately $83,141 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,966. With a cost-of-living index of 87.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,598.87 | $6,928 | $83,141 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $959.32 | $4,157 | $49,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.55 | $2,771 | $33,256 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Albany) | $39.97 |
| 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 Albany, GA earn a median of $83,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.24% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.70% below the Georgia state average of $85,451.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.97/hr = $49,885/year (purchasing power: $56,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,141/year (purchasing power: $94,835).
CoL index: 87.669 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$28.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.97/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+45.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Albany (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Albany grew 32.0% from $28.86/hr (2020) to $38.09/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.95/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 Albany 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 Albany
Evaluating the earning potential for dental hygienists in Albany reveals significant options, especially for those considering part-time positions at 24 hours a week. While full-time hygienists may enjoy more stability, part-time roles can still provide a comfortable income compared to the cost of living in the area. Per diem options, such as working through temp agencies, offer dental hygienists flexibility with pay rates between $40 and $60 per hour, although these rates vary significantly based on the setting—higher in major cities and lower in rural areas. Employment across different types of practices, including private offices, group clinics, and DSOs, also indicates varied compensation levels. Some hygienists may prefer lower hourly rates with benefits, especially in terms of health insurance, while others opt for higher pay without insurance. Negotiating terms tailored to individual needs can enhance job satisfaction and financial security for dental hygienists in Albany, GA.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
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 Albany. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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