Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $42.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Delaware, OH runs $42.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,639 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Delaware, Ohio, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $42.13 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This discrepancy can significantly impact the lifestyle of dental hygienists in the area, including those considering part-time roles, such as a typical schedule of three days a week. For professionals working in various settings—like general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and mobile public health units—this hourly rate plays a vital role in their financial planning, whether they are full-time practitioners or per diem workers. The hourly wage range in Delaware spans from $32.84 for entry-level positions to as high as $50.89 for highly experienced hygienists, providing a broad scope depending on individual experience and workplace environment.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($86,075) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.84 | $262.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.52 | $300.13 |
| Median (P50) | $42.13 | $337.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.21 | $361.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.89 | $407.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware
Based on $42.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.13/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $87,637 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,560. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,685.34 | $7,303 | $87,637 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,011.20 | $4,382 | $52,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.13 | $2,921 | $35,055 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Delaware) | $42.13 |
| 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 Delaware, OH earn a median of $87,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.20% below the Ohio state average of $88,703.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.13/hr = $52,582/year (purchasing power: $57,974).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,637/year (purchasing power: $96,623).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.13/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Delaware (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Delaware grew 21.9% from $32.95/hr (2020) to $40.15/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.21/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 Delaware 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 Delaware
For those seeking part-time roles, a dental hygienist working just 24 hours a week would take home approximately $52,600 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time salaries. Agency or per diem positions are viable alternatives and generally offer hourly wages ranging from $40 to $60, attracting professionals who value flexibility. The rates can vary considerably based on the type of employer—solo practices may offer less compared to large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) which often include benefits like health insurance, influencing many to accept lower hourly wages for those perks. Negotiation becomes an essential skill, especially in Delaware's market; knowing what each employer group typically pays can empower dental hygienists to seek the compensation that accurately reflects their expertise and qualifications.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Delaware in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Delaware?
Are dental hygienists in Delaware paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Delaware?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Delaware?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Delaware. 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 Delaware 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