Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $52.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Rochester, MN runs $52.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,129 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For dental hygienists in Rochester, Minnesota, the hourly pay is quite competitive, with a median rate of $52.19, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This premium reflects the state's growing demand for dental hygienists and positions the local workforce favorably within the profession. For those working part-time — say three days a week — this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, especially given the varied settings in which they may practice, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal specialty suites. Entry-level dental hygienists in Rochester can expect to earn around $41.66 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $58.39, showcasing a diverse range of earning potential tied to experience and workplace type. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures projected to 2026, offers valuable insights for aspiring dental hygienists contemplating their career trajectory.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.66 | $333.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.87 | $398.94 |
| Median (P50) | $52.19 | $417.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.24 | $425.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.39 | $467.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $52.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.19/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $108,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,624. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,087.47 | $9,046 | $108,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,252.48 | $5,427 | $65,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.99 | $3,618 | $43,419 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Rochester) | $52.19 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $108,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.44% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.90% above the Minnesota state average of $105,491.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.19/hr = $65,129/year (purchasing power: $71,711).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,548/year (purchasing power: $119,519).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$37.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.19/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Rochester (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rochester grew 33.3% from $37.30/hr (2020) to $49.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.76/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Examining part-time earning potential, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home an impressive annual income, illustrating the viability of part-time roles in Rochester. These professionals often navigate various employment models, including per-diem and agency positions, which tend to offer $40-60 per hour, allowing for increased flexibility and the potential for higher earnings, especially in high-cost locales. Hourly rates vary dramatically depending on the type of employer, such as solo practices, multi-doctor group practices, or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen, each of which has different pay structures. Many dental hygienists weigh the benefits of a salaried position with health insurance against higher hourly pay without these perks, making negotiation skills essential. Those in Rochester looking to secure favorable terms in their contracts should focus on articulating their value and be prepared to discuss hours, responsibilities, and benefits to find the right balance in their professional arrangements.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Rochester?
Are dental hygienists in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Rochester?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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