Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pleasant Prairie, WI: $45.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pleasant Prairie, WI runs $45.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,644 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pleasant Prairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,389 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, the hourly pay for dental hygienists is projected to reach $45.98 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $49.49. This figure is particularly significant for part-time employees, often working in various dental settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal suites, and pediatric practices. For those who only work three days a week, this median hourly rate translates into competitive earnings given the flexible scheduling that suits many professionals in this field. Furthermore, hourly rates for dental hygienists in Pleasant Prairie can vary widely, with entry-level practitioners making approximately $36.33 and more experienced workers reaching up to $57.47. Such variability highlights the potential for higher earnings as hygienists gain experience and refine their skills within the local job market.
About the Pleasant Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.33 | $290.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.35 | $314.82 |
| Median (P50) | $45.98 | $367.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.09 | $392.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.47 | $459.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pleasant Prairie
Based on $45.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.98/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pleasant Prairie, WI can expect to earn approximately $95,648 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,182. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pleasant Prairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pleasant Prairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,839.39 | $7,971 | $95,648 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,103.63 | $4,782 | $57,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $735.76 | $3,188 | $38,259 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pleasant Prairie) | $45.98 |
| 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 Pleasant Prairie, WI earn a median of $95,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,678.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.98/hr = $57,389/year (purchasing power: $61,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,648/year (purchasing power: $102,407).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.98/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pleasant Prairie (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pleasant Prairie grew 35.9% from $32.24/hr (2020) to $43.82/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.26/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 Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists reveals noteworthy insights. A hygienist working 24 hours a week at the hourly median would gross about $57,600 annually, which is significantly lower than the full-time potential. In contrast, per diem work, where professionals may receive compensation between $40 and $60 per hour depending on location and employer type, is another avenue for addressing income needs. This pay structure is common among those working for temp agencies or on locum assignments. In Pleasant Prairie, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer. Hygienists working in private solo practices may earn less compared to those in multi-doctor offices or Dental Service Organizations, where benefits such as health insurance might lessen hourly compensation. Consequently, many hygienists face choices—accepting lower pay for stability and benefits or pursuing higher hourly rates at practices with fewer perks. Negotiation skills can prove vital in this landscape, whether discussing hourly pay in a solo practice or a larger DSO that may have more flexibility in compensation packages.
More salary data for Pleasant Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pleasant Prairie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Pleasant Prairie?
Are dental hygienists in Pleasant Prairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Pleasant Prairie?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Pleasant Prairie?
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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 Pleasant Prairie. 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 Pleasant Prairie 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