Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Florence, KY: $38.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Florence, KY runs $38.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,444 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florence, KY, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $38.82, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This difference highlights the specific economic context of the area, where dental hygienists are often employed in settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and public health facilities. For those considering part-time work, a three-day work week (approximately 24 hours) can yield significant earnings, whereas per-diem positions might offer flexible work arrangements suitable for professionals seeking variety in their practices. Entry-level hourly rates start around $30.47, ramping up to $47.24 for the top earners in the region, reflecting the competitive nature of this vital healthcare profession based on estimated annual salaries.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($78,073) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.47 | $243.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.22 | $265.79 |
| Median (P50) | $38.82 | $310.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.76 | $334.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.24 | $377.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $38.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.82/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, KY can expect to earn approximately $80,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,581. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,552.69 | $6,728 | $80,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $931.62 | $4,037 | $48,444 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $621.08 | $2,691 | $32,296 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Florence) | $38.82 |
| 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 Florence, KY earn a median of $80,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.57% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $81,478.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.82/hr = $48,444/year (purchasing power: $54,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,740/year (purchasing power: $90,414).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$30.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.82/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+35.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Florence (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Florence grew 22.6% from $30.16/hr (2020) to $36.99/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.73/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 Florence 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 Florence
Part-time dental hygienists working in Florence can expect their income potential to be competitive, with those working 24 hours a week potentially bringing home around $48,000 annually. This figure contrasts sharply with full-time earnings, which can reach over $80,000 annually. The reality for per-diem or locum tenens dental hygienists is quite dynamic; temporary assignments can yield $40-60 per hour, often varying based on the various settings—such as if they are working in community health clinics or corporate Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland Dental or Aspen Dental. Hourly rates within this field vary widely depending on the type of employer—solo practices typically might offer lower wages compared to larger group practices or specialty offices. Additionally, dental hygienists may weigh their desire for higher hourly pay against opportunities for health benefits, which are often why professionals may accept slightly lower wages in exchange for the security of a full-time position with benefits. For those negotiating salary, understanding the local market and employer types can be crucial in achieving a favorable outcome.
More salary data for Florence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Florence?
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Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Florence. 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 Florence 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