Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $43.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pierre, SD runs $43.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,755 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,853 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $43.15, which falls short of the national median of $49.49. This figure reflects the earning potential in various typical settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty suites. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this translates into a practical income that can support their living needs. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Pierre stretches from $33.33 at entry-level positions to $53.16 for top earners, allowing for flexibility in roles that might include per diem work during busy periods in practices or in public health mobile clinics.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.33 | $266.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.01 | $312.05 |
| Median (P50) | $43.15 | $345.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.10 | $376.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.16 | $425.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $43.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.15/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $89,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,782. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,726.05 | $7,480 | $89,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.63 | $4,488 | $53,853 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.42 | $2,992 | $35,902 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pierre) | $43.15 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $89,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $95,484.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.15/hr = $53,853/year (purchasing power: $58,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,755/year (purchasing power: $96,718).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.15/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pierre (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pierre grew 21.0% from $33.99/hr (2020) to $41.12/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.28/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Part-time dental hygienists in Pierre working 24 hours a week take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, with the annual income dropping drastically compared to those working full-time hours. Many hygienists choose per diem or agency positions, where pay rates can vary widely based on location and demand; in higher-cost living areas, similar roles can command rates between $40 and $60 per hour. In Pierre, hourly pay often differs across employer types, with solo dental practices, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and public health clinics offering varying compensation structures. Some may prefer the stability of a lower hourly rate that comes with benefits like health insurance, whereas others may seek higher rates without benefits for greater financial freedom. For those navigating job offers, understanding these trade-offs and effectively negotiating compensation can be crucial for career satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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