Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Keene, NH: $50.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Keene, NH runs $50.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Keene's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,505 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Keene, NH, stands at $50.89, slightly surpassing the national median of $49.49. This rate brings both full-time and part-time professionals, including those working three days a week, ample opportunities to earn a competitive wage in settings ranging from general dentistry operatories to pediatric offices and public health clinics. For part-time workers, an hourly rate above $50 can translate into a significant income when considering flexible scheduling options. The hourly pay range in Keene varies considerably, as entry-level dental hygienists start at approximately $40.79, while those at the top of their field can earn around $61.54, showcasing the potential for advancement within this profession. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates that reflect a growing demand for dental hygienists across the region.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($93,590) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.79 | $326.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.10 | $352.77 |
| Median (P50) | $50.89 | $407.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.82 | $438.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.54 | $492.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Keene
Based on $50.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.89/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Keene, NH can expect to earn approximately $105,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,062. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Keene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Keene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,035.42 | $8,820 | $105,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,221.25 | $5,292 | $63,505 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.17 | $3,528 | $42,337 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Keene) | $50.89 |
| 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 Keene, NH earn a median of $105,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.80% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $110,471.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.89/hr = $63,505/year (purchasing power: $59,185).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,842/year (purchasing power: $98,641).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$36.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.89/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Keene (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Keene grew 33.9% from $36.22/hr (2020) to $48.49/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.40/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 Keene 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 Keene
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists in Keene presents an intriguing perspective on work-life balance. A hygienist working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, could take home an impressive annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienist pay varies, with rates ranging from around $40 to $60 per hour offered by temp agencies; however, high-cost living areas like nearby Boston can push rates even higher. Those working in different types of dental practices in Keene, such as solo or multi-doctor practices and Dental Service Organizations, might see variances in hourly wages due to benefits considerations. Some hygienists may accept a lower hourly pay for positions offering health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly wages at practices that provide no additional benefits. Therefore, when negotiating pay in Keene, professionals should consider these factors while being mindful of their earning potential in both traditional and per diem settings.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Keene in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Keene?
Are dental hygienists in Keene paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Keene?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Keene?
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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 Keene. 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 Keene 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