Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Frankfort, KY: $38.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Frankfort, KY runs $38.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,823 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Frankfort's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Frankfort, Kentucky, the projected median hourly pay for a dental hygienist is $38.38, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This hourly wage translates into various earning potentials depending on employment conditions. For those working part-time, such as a three-day work week, the income can still provide a decent standard of living, particularly in an area where the cost of living is below the national average. Entry-level positions may start at around $29.38 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn upwards of $49.56 per hour. The figures are reflective of the broader industry, with dental hygienists typically employed in various settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and dental service organizations.
About the Frankfort 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) | $29.38 | $235.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.30 | $258.40 |
| Median (P50) | $38.38 | $307.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.58 | $332.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.56 | $396.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frankfort
Based on $38.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.38/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frankfort, KY can expect to earn approximately $79,823 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,052. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Frankfort.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frankfort
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,535.06 | $6,652 | $79,823 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $921.04 | $3,991 | $47,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $614.02 | $2,661 | $31,929 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Frankfort) | $38.38 |
| 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 Frankfort, KY earn a median of $79,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.46% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $81,452.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.38/hr = $47,894/year (purchasing power: $53,633).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,823/year (purchasing power: $89,388).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$29.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.38/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+35.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Frankfort (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Frankfort grew 22.7% from $29.81/hr (2020) to $36.57/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.27/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 Frankfort 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 Frankfort
For those considering part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week, a dental hygienist in Frankfort could expect to bring in approximately $47,630 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who typically earn significantly more. Per diem work options, while less common, can present opportunities to earn higher rates, with pay often ranging from $40 to $60 per hour in metropolitan areas outside Frankfort. Various employer types also impact hourly compensation; dental hygienists in private practices may earn differently compared to those in multi-doctor groups or DSOs like Heartland and Aspen. The trade-off here is palpable: some hygienists might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like healthcare and retirement plans, while others may prioritize higher pay without those perks. Negotiating your hourly rate is crucial, especially in Frankfort, where proving your value through continued education and specialized certifications can support your case for a higher wage.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Frankfort in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Frankfort?
Are dental hygienists in Frankfort paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Frankfort?
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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 Frankfort. 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 Frankfort 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