Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $61.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Des Moines, WA runs $61.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,832 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $61.45, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This attractive pay structure presents compelling opportunities for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week. With a typical weekly schedule of roughly 24 hours, part-time dental hygienists can still enjoy a substantial income while attaining a work-life balance. The hourly earnings for this role range from $47.97 for entry-level positions to up to $76.95 for experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a thriving job market wherein dental hygienists can work in various environments, including general dentistry operatory suites, pediatric practices, and public health clinics.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.97 | $383.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.60 | $420.77 |
| Median (P50) | $61.45 | $491.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.41 | $539.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.95 | $615.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $61.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.45/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $127,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,743. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,458.11 | $10,652 | $127,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,474.87 | $6,391 | $76,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $983.25 | $4,261 | $51,129 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Des Moines) | $61.45 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $127,832 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.17% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $128,993.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.45/hr = $76,693/year (purchasing power: $71,409).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,822/year (purchasing power: $119,015).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$46.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.45/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Des Moines (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $46.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Des Moines grew 25.0% from $46.85/hr (2020) to $58.56/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.49/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
For dental hygienists in Des Moines, navigating the part-time and per-diem opportunities can lead to very different earning potentials. Working part-time at a rate consistent with their hourly pay can yield an annual take-home that is sufficiently competitive, although often less than full-time peers. The demand for per diem dental hygienist pay in Des Moines can fluctuate, typically aligning with compensation offers from temp agencies which usually fall between $40 to $60 per hour. By contrast, metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living feature rates that can go as high as $60 to $85 per hour, particularly for travel hygienist contracts. In Des Moines, the difference in pay may also reflect the type of employer; solo practices may offer different rates compared to Dental Service Organizations like Heartland or Aspen, which often include benefits. Negotiating pay can be crucial, and understanding the local job market will empower dental hygienists to advocate better for their worth while considering factors such as health insurance versus hourly income without benefits.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Des Moines?
Are dental hygienists in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Des Moines?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
Related Pages
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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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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