Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bend, OR: $60.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bend, OR runs $60.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,331 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bend, Oregon, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $60.36, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This competitive rate offers both full-time and part-time dental hygienists the potential for a lucrative career in various settings, such as general dental practices, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a substantial income that can surpass standard part-time earnings in other professions. Entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn around $51.42 per hour, while more experienced professionals may reach up to $63.82 per hour, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projected for 2026. The favorable hourly pay landscape in Bend reflects the demand for skilled dental hygienists, who are essential to ensuring patient care and oral health.
Part-time dental hygienists in Bend who work three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can earn around $72,000 annually, compared to full-timers who have a significantly higher earning potential. Per diem or temporary employment offers additionally flexible options, with agency rates typically ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the region and the dentist's office. In high-cost-of-living cities, rates can push upwards of $60 to $85 per hour. Hourly rates vary extensively across different types of employers in Bend; while solo practices may offer lower rates, larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and specialty offices often provide competitive wages along with sign-on bonuses. Dental hygienists should weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance offered by larger organizations against potentially higher hourly pay without benefits in smaller settings. When negotiating, it’s advisable to understand both the average pay in their niche and the specific needs of the employer to achieve an optimal agreement.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.42 | $411.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.82 | $422.53 |
| Median (P50) | $60.36 | $482.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.18 | $497.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.82 | $510.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bend
Based on $60.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.36/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bend, OR can expect to earn approximately $125,552 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,434. With a cost-of-living index of 103.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,414.46 | $10,463 | $125,552 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,448.68 | $6,278 | $75,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $965.78 | $4,185 | $50,221 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bend) | $60.36 |
| 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 Bend, OR earn a median of $125,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.97% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.70% above the Oregon state average of $121,081.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.36/hr = $75,331/year (purchasing power: $72,709).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,552/year (purchasing power: $121,181).
CoL index: 103.607 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$38.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.36/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+63.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bend (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bend grew 48.3% from $38.78/hr (2020) to $57.52/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.34/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 Bend 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.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
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 Bend. 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