Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Conway, SC: $40.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Conway, SC runs $40.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,002 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, South Carolina, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be around $40.07 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $49.49, reflecting the regional cost of living and local market conditions. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this translates to a comfortable income while maintaining work-life balance. They could expect to earn around $641 weekly before taxes, which may fit well in various settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and mobile public health clinics. The estimated hourly range for dental hygienists in Conway spans from $33.14 at the entry level to $47.91 for those at the top end of their profession, showcasing the potential for growth within this vital healthcare field.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($83,561) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.14 | $265.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.33 | $282.67 |
| Median (P50) | $40.07 | $320.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.94 | $343.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.91 | $383.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $40.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.07/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, SC can expect to earn approximately $83,337 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,079. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,602.64 | $6,945 | $83,337 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $961.59 | $4,167 | $50,002 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.06 | $2,778 | $33,335 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Conway) | $40.07 |
| 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 Conway, SC earn a median of $83,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.05% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.40% below the South Carolina state average of $87,166.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.07/hr = $50,002/year (purchasing power: $54,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,337/year (purchasing power: $91,079).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$27.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.07/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Conway (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Conway grew 40.5% from $27.18/hr (2020) to $38.18/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.05/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 Conway 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 Conway
Considering the dynamics of part-time positions, a dental hygienist in Conway working just 24 hours per week might see an annual income significantly lower than their full-time peers, who benefit from higher cumulative hours. Per diem opportunities also offer flexibility, allowing hygienists to earn competitive rates that can range from $40 to $60 hourly, though less predictably than a steady job might provide. The types of employers greatly influence hourly rates; for instance, dental service organizations (DSOs) often offer attractive compensation packages alongside benefits, while solo practices may have tighter budgets. Many dental hygienists find themselves weighing the benefits of comprehensive health insurance against the appeal of higher hourly wages. For those negotiating pay, it’s essential to research local standards, understand the nuances of different employer types, and articulate your value both in skill and patient care.
More salary data for Conway, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Conway in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Conway?
Are dental hygienists in Conway paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Conway?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Conway?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Conway. 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 Conway 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