Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $41.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Houma, LA runs $41.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.1, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,509 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Houma, Louisiana, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $41.27, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This pay level impacts both full-time and part-time professionals, including those who may choose to work three days a week or shift toward per-diem roles in diverse environments such as general dentistry offices, pediatric settings, and public health clinics. For dental hygienists at entry-level positions, hourly earnings start around $31.11, while experienced practitioners can earn as much as $48.99 per hour. The BLS data highlights that these figures reflect the current economic landscape and the demand for trained hygienists in Houma, contributing to shaping salary expectations within the dental health field in LA.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.11 | $248.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.66 | $325.31 |
| Median (P50) | $41.27 | $330.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.05 | $384.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.99 | $391.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $41.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.27/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $85,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,527. With a cost-of-living index of 85.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,650.92 | $7,154 | $85,848 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.55 | $4,292 | $51,509 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.37 | $2,862 | $34,339 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Houma) | $41.27 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $85,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.62% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.60% below the Louisiana state average of $86,359.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.27/hr = $51,509/year (purchasing power: $60,525).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,848/year (purchasing power: $100,875).
CoL index: 85.103 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.27/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Houma (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Houma grew 7.1% from $36.71/hr (2020) to $39.33/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.31/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 Houma 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 Houma
Exploring the part-time earning potential illustrates some of the financial dynamics for dental hygienists who work 24 hours a week. An individual in this arrangement could anticipate taking home significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts, making it essential for these professionals to strategize their income. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Houma usually hovers around $40-60 per hour through agency contracts, providing flexibility but also variability in job stability and benefits. Additionally, the hourly rates can differ significantly across employer types—solo practices, DSOs like Heartland and Aspen, or public health entities typically offer differing compensation structures. While some dental hygienists may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others might prioritize secure, full-time positions that offer comprehensive health insurance. When negotiating pay, it’s beneficial for professionals in Houma to research local salary benchmarks and arrive prepared with comparable figures to ensure they receive an equitable hourly wage reflective of their skills and the specific market in LA.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Houma in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Houma?
Are dental hygienists in Houma paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Houma?
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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 Houma. 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