Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $43.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Eau Claire, WI runs $43.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,665 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Dental hygienists in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, can expect a median hourly rate of $43.80 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49, indicating a difference in compensation level that may be significant for those in the field. For professionals considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate translates well across various work settings, including general dentistry operatories and public health mobile clinics. Entry-level dental hygienists in Eau Claire might earn around $39.72 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $51.69 per hour, showcasing a competitive pay structure that reflects the demand for dental services in the area. The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections, provides a solid understanding of what to expect in terms of hourly compensation.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.72 | $317.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.05 | $328.42 |
| Median (P50) | $43.80 | $350.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.91 | $391.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.69 | $413.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $43.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.80/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $91,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,562. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,752.08 | $7,592 | $91,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,051.25 | $4,555 | $54,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $700.83 | $3,037 | $36,443 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Eau Claire) | $43.80 |
| 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 Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $91,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 9.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,684.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.80/hr = $54,665/year (purchasing power: $58,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,108/year (purchasing power: $98,181).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.80/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Eau Claire (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Eau Claire grew 25.3% from $33.30/hr (2020) to $41.74/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.97/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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
Part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can expect to take home around $54,432 annually, which is a substantial income considering their reduced hours. For those interested in temporary or per-diem positions, agency rates typically range from $40 to $60 per hour, enhancing earning potential, particularly for those willing to travel. However, it's essential to comprehend the nuances of pay differing by employer type in Eau Claire. Solo dental practices might offer pay at one end of the spectrum, while larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may provide more benefits, but at a potentially lower hourly rate. This difference emphasizes the trade-off between hourly pay and the perks of health insurance. Dental hygienists negotiating hourly rates should focus on highlighting their skills and flexibility, as the market continues to evolve with new dynamics in patient care models and employment practices.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Eau Claire in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Eau Claire?
Are dental hygienists in Eau Claire paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Eau Claire?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Eau Claire?
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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 Eau Claire. 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