Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $59.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Ellensburg, WA runs $59.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,082 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,851 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $59.18, significantly exceeding the national median of $49.49. This higher hourly rate reflects the local demand for dental services and the unique economic conditions of the area. For part-time workers, typically engaged three days a week, this equates to a stable income that can support living expenses, especially in a city where the cost of living hovers slightly above the national average. Registered dental hygienists (RDHs) can expect to earn between $47.25 and $71.08 per hour as they work across various settings such as dental clinics, specialty offices, and public health facilities. These estimates, derived from projected 2026 figures, offer a practical framework for understanding the financial rewards in this essential healthcare profession.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $47.25 | $378.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.96 | $407.67 |
| Median (P50) | $59.18 | $473.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.45 | $507.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.08 | $568.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $59.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.18/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $123,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,011. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,367.03 | $10,257 | $123,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,420.22 | $6,154 | $73,851 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $946.81 | $4,103 | $49,234 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Ellensburg) | $59.18 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $123,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.56% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $129,017.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.18/hr = $73,851/year (purchasing power: $68,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,085/year (purchasing power: $114,605).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$45.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.18/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Ellensburg (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $45.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ellensburg grew 25.0% from $45.11/hr (2020) to $56.39/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.10/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
Examining the part-time earning potential for a dental hygienist working three days per week reveals that even this reduced schedule can lead to substantial annual income, amounting to just under $75,000. This is a solid alternative for those seeking flexibility while maintaining a strong income. For those considering per diem opportunities, the flexibility offered can lead to variations in pay, with typical rates between $40 and $60 per hour depending on the local demand and employer type. In Ellensburg, wages may shift based on the nature of the practice; larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often provide more competitive rates due to their volume of patients and economic backing. Still, some hygienists may opt for positions offering health benefits over slightly higher hourly pay in solo or smaller group practices. Negotiating for either higher hourly rates or added benefits is imperative; understanding the local market and knowing what comparable positions offer can empower dental hygienists to make informed career decisions in Ellensburg, WA.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ellensburg in 2026?
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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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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