Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Schererville, IN: $42.66 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Schererville, IN runs $42.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Schererville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,237 per year.

$88,731
Median Annual Salary
$42.66/hr
Hourly Rate
$68,143
Entry Level (P10)
$114,606
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Schererville, IN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Schererville, IN dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Schererville, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $42.66, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This translates to a competitive yet modest compensation for professionals often working part-time or per-diem schedules within various healthcare settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For those opting for a part-time arrangement, typically working three days a week, there's potential for flexible hours while still earning a manageable income. The hourly pay ranges from $32.76 at the lower end to $55.10 for seasoned professionals, which reflects the varying needs of employers in the area. These hourly estimates are drawn from annual salary data, emphasizing the diverse earning potential within this specialized field while showcasing the opportunity for those entering the dental hygiene profession in Schererville to find positions that align with their financial goals.

About the Schererville Market

Salary estimated from Indiana average ($89,222) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$32.76$262.10
Lower Range (P25)$37.63$301.05
Median (P50)$42.66$341.26
Upper Range (P75)$45.43$363.43
Top Earners (P90)$55.10$440.83

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Schererville

Based on $42.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Schererville earning $42.66/hr would make approximately $51,190 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $88,729 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$51,190Reduced (32 hr/wk)$68,253Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$88,729

At $42.66/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Schererville, IN can expect to earn approximately $88,729 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,190. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Schererville.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$341.26
per 8hr shift
$1,706.32
per week
$7,394
per month
$88,729
per year

Schedule Comparison in Schererville

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,706.32$7,394$88,729
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,023.79$4,436$53,237
Per Diem (16 hrs)$682.53$2,958$35,492

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Schererville)$42.66
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Schererville ($88,731) with Indiana average ($90,450) and the US national median ($102,946).Schererville$88,731Indiana Avg$90,450-1.90%US National$102,946-13.81%

Dental Hygienists in Schererville, IN earn a median of $88,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.81% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.90% below the Indiana state average of $90,450.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $42.66/hr = $53,237/year (purchasing power: $58,310).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,729/year (purchasing power: $97,184).

CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2020 BLS Actual

$35.74/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$40.65/hr

2026 Current Est.

$42.66/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+25.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Schererville (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Schererville. Baseline $35.74/hr in 2025, projected to $44.77/hr by 2027.$34$37$40$43$47202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.74$36.33$37.35$40.46$42.91$40.65$42.66$44.77
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$35.74/hrActual
2021$36.33/hrActual
2022$37.35/hrActual
2023$40.46/hrActual
2024$42.91/hrActual
2025$40.65/hrActual
2026(current)$42.66/hrEstimated
2027$44.77/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Schererville grew 13.7% from $35.74/hr (2020) to $40.65/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schererville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Schererville

Examining the financial landscape for dental hygienists in Schererville reveals insights into part-time and per-diem work dynamics. A dental hygienist working just three days a week, or 24 hours, can anticipate an annual income of approximately $53,429, which might appeal to professionals seeking flexibility over a full-time commitment. Moreover, per diem or agency positions commonly offer hourly wages ranging from $40 to $60, depending on the demand and location—a system that often results in more lucrative pay for those willing to accept temporary contracts. Salary variation is further influenced by the type of employer, with solo practices, group practices, and corporate entities like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) offering distinct compensation packages. Some hygienists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, prompting a financial trade-off that is often considered when negotiating job offers. For those negotiating within Schererville, it's prudent to balance hourly compensation against benefits, ensuring a suitable fit for both professional aspirations and financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Schererville in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Schererville is $42.66/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $32.76 at entry level (10th percentile) to $55.10 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 13.8% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Schererville?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Schererville earns approximately $4,436/month, or $53,237/year at the median hourly rate of $42.66. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Schererville paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Schererville are paid hourly at a median rate of $42.66/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $88,729/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Schererville?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Schererville earns approximately $88,729/year at the median hourly rate of $42.66. This is 13.8% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $114,616/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Schererville?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Schererville sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $55.10/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Schererville. 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 Schererville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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