Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $60.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lakewood, CA runs $60.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,960 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $60.87, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive wage offers appealing opportunities for both part-time and per diem dental hygienists, as professionals often work in various settings including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For individuals seeking flexibility, working three days a week could yield substantial income potential; hourly rates range from $47.60 at entry-level positions to $77.94 for top earners. The estimated hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, underscoring the high demand for skilled dental hygienists in the Lakewood area.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.60 | $380.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.92 | $407.34 |
| Median (P50) | $60.87 | $486.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.41 | $539.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.94 | $623.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $60.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.87/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,038. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,434.61 | $10,550 | $126,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,460.76 | $6,330 | $75,960 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $973.84 | $4,220 | $50,640 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lakewood) | $60.87 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $126,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.98% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.50% below the California state average of $129,851.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.87/hr = $75,960/year (purchasing power: $67,162).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,600/year (purchasing power: $111,936).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$51.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.87/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lakewood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $51.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lakewood grew 12.5% from $51.55/hr (2020) to $58.00/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.87/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When considering part-time work in the dental hygiene field, a hygienist in Lakewood working 24 hours a week could expect to earn considerably less than a full-time counterpart but still realize a decent annual income. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Lakewood often hovers around $40-60, which varies significantly with location and type of practice. While solo dental practices may offer lower hourly rates, larger organizations like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) can entice with higher pay scales, though they may come with fewer benefits. Health insurance versus a higher hourly rate becomes a common trade-off for hygienists. Understanding the local employment market helps professionals negotiate their worth; many hygienists can benefit from pitching their value to prospective employers, particularly in Lakewood's evolving dental landscape marked by a mix of private and corporate practices.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lakewood?
Are dental hygienists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lakewood?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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