Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pullman, WA: $59.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pullman, WA runs $59.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,826 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pullman's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, Washington, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $59.53, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive wage is beneficial for both full-time and part-time professionals in various settings, including general dental practices, pediatric clinics, and public health initiatives. For those considering part-time work—such as a three-day workweek—this hourly rate translates into a robust income that can support lifestyle choices while allowing for flexibility. Additionally, new and experienced dental hygienists in Pullman can expect to see hourly compensation range from $48.48 at the lower end (P10) to about $76.63 for top earners (P90), reflecting diverse opportunities within the field.
About the Pullman 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) | $48.48 | $387.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.25 | $418.00 |
| Median (P50) | $59.53 | $476.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.57 | $532.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.63 | $613.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pullman
Based on $59.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pullman, WA can expect to earn approximately $123,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,439. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pullman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pullman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,381.30 | $10,319 | $123,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,428.78 | $6,191 | $74,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $952.52 | $4,128 | $49,531 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pullman) | $59.53 |
| 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 Pullman, WA earn a median of $123,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.28% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $128,985.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.53/hr = $74,297/year (purchasing power: $69,177).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,828/year (purchasing power: $115,296).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$45.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pullman (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $45.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pullman grew 25.0% from $45.38/hr (2020) to $56.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.47/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 Pullman 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 Pullman
Exploring the earning potential in Pullman reveals interesting dynamics, especially for part-time dental hygienists. A professional working three days a week typically brings home a substantial income compared to full-time salaries, allowing time for other pursuits while still enjoying financial stability. For those interested in per diem opportunities, pay ranges between $40 to $60 per hour through agencies, with higher rates in metro areas like San Francisco or New York City. Various employer types in Pullman also influence hourly rates significantly; professionals in solo dental practices may earn differently than those in larger, multi-doctor groups or DSOs, which often offer benefits that can make lower hourly rates appealing. Negotiation is crucial, especially for hourly workers aiming to balance their compensation and benefits. Understanding the local job market and putting forth clear expectations regarding pay can enhance outcomes for those in this essential healthcare profession.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
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 Pullman. 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 Pullman 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