Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Richland, WA: $63.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Richland, WA runs $63.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,209 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Richland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,723 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Richland, Washington, offers a competitive dental hygienist hourly pay of $63.08, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This robust hourly rate is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers, who may find themselves earning substantial income in various settings. Common workplaces, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices, can accommodate flexible schedules. Entry-level dental hygienists might earn around $47.96 per hour, while seasoned professionals at the top of their field can make as much as $78.89 per hour depending on their experience and the specific practice environment. Such an hourly wage allows for a favorable lifestyle in Richland, considering the cost of living coupled with these earnings.
About the Richland 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) | $47.96 | $383.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.12 | $424.97 |
| Median (P50) | $63.08 | $504.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.94 | $551.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.89 | $631.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richland
Based on $63.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.08/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richland, WA can expect to earn approximately $131,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,695. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,523.18 | $10,934 | $131,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,513.91 | $6,560 | $78,723 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.27 | $4,374 | $52,482 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Richland) | $63.08 |
| 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 Richland, WA earn a median of $131,209 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.45% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.70% above the Washington state average of $129,015.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.08/hr = $78,723/year (purchasing power: $73,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,205/year (purchasing power: $122,165).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$47.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.08/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+38.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Richland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Richland grew 25.8% from $47.79/hr (2020) to $60.11/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.20/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 Richland 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 Richland
Part-time dental hygienists in Richland can experience substantial differences in earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. A hygienist working three days a week, for roughly 24 hours, can expect to earn around $79,000 annually, a significant income but notably less than what full-time professionals might achieve. Meanwhile, per diem dental hygienist pay in Richland can vary widely, especially when considering the temporary agency rates that often fall between $40 and $60 per hour or higher in large metropolitan areas. While larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) might offer competitive hourly wages, many hygienists accept positions with lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Maintaining open communication and negotiating effectively can lead to improved compensation based on individual qualifications and market demand within Richland's diverse dental care environment.
More salary data for Richland, 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 Richland. 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 Richland 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