Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $61.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Kent, WA runs $61.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Kent, Washington, can expect a median hourly pay of $61.93, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This elevated rate reflects the demand for skilled dental hygienists in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For part-time or per-diem dental hygienists, working just three days a week could result in a considerable income, ranging from an entry-level pay of $47.85 to earnings near $83.68 for top professionals. These rates are essential for those considering flexible work arrangements, as they can effectively adjust their schedules to fit personal commitments while still enjoying competitive compensation.
About the Kent 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) | $47.85 | $382.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.92 | $423.37 |
| Median (P50) | $61.93 | $495.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.93 | $567.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.68 | $669.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $61.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.93/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $128,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,310. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,477.00 | $10,734 | $128,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.20 | $6,440 | $77,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $990.80 | $4,293 | $51,522 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Kent) | $61.93 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $128,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.11% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $129,055.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.93/hr = $77,283/year (purchasing power: $71,958).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,804/year (purchasing power: $119,929).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$47.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.93/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Kent (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kent grew 25.0% from $47.20/hr (2020) to $59.01/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.98/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 Kent 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 Kent
Considering the overall earning potential, part-time hygienists can bring home a respectable income even while working limited hours. For example, if one works 24 hours a week, they could still earn over $75,000 annually, making it an attractive option for those not wishing to commit to full-time positions. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Kent can be appealing too, especially when compared to temporary positions in high-cost living areas, which may offer rates between $40-$60 per hour. The variation in hourly rates across employer types in Kent is also notable, with larger DSOs often providing higher pay along with benefits such as health insurance. For dental hygienists aiming for maximum earning potential, negotiating higher pay may be necessary, especially in an evolving job market where positions with benefits are balanced against those that offer higher hourly rates without them.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Kent?
Are dental hygienists in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Kent?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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 Kent. 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 Kent 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