Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $61.95 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $61.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,309 per year.

$128,838
Median Annual Salary
$61.95/hr
Hourly Rate
$94,030
Entry Level (P10)
$169,122
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Rancho Cordova, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Rancho Cordova, CA dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Rancho Cordova, California, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected at $61.95 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $49.49 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the increasing demand for dental hygienists in the area and accommodates the cost of living, which is above the national average. For part-time workers, say someone working three days a week, this rate translates into a comfortable earning potential that can support a balanced lifestyle. Per-diem opportunities are also abundant in settings like general dentistry offices and public health clinics, where dental hygienists can choose their hours. With entry-level positions starting at around $45.21 per hour and experienced professionals earning up to $81.31 per hour, this role offers a range of pay that rewards skill and experience.

About the Rancho Cordova Market

Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$45.21$361.67
Lower Range (P25)$54.46$435.71
Median (P50)$61.95$495.57
Upper Range (P75)$67.63$541.07
Top Earners (P90)$81.31$650.46

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova

Based on $61.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Rancho Cordova earning $61.95/hr would make approximately $74,335 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $128,848 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$74,335Reduced (32 hr/wk)$99,114Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$128,848

At $61.95/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,335. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$495.57
per 8hr shift
$2,477.84
per week
$10,737
per month
$128,848
per year

Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,477.84$10,737$128,848
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,486.71$6,442$77,309
Per Diem (16 hrs)$991.14$4,295$51,539

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Rancho Cordova)$61.95
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Rancho Cordova ($128,838) with California average ($129,877) and the US national median ($102,946).Rancho Cordova$128,838California Avg$129,877-0.80%US National$102,946+25.15%

Dental Hygienists in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $128,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.15% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% below the California state average of $129,877.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $61.95/hr = $77,309/year (purchasing power: $68,354).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,848/year (purchasing power: $113,924).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2020 BLS Actual

$52.46/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$59.03/hr

2026 Current Est.

$61.95/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+23.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Rancho Cordova (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova. Baseline $52.46/hr in 2025, projected to $65.01/hr by 2027.$47$53$58$63$68202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$52.46$50.37$52.64$57.44$51.87$59.03$61.95$65.01
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$52.46/hrActual
2021$50.37/hrActual
2022$52.64/hrActual
2023$57.44/hrActual
2024$51.87/hrActual
2025$59.03/hrActual
2026(current)$61.95/hrEstimated
2027$65.01/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova grew 12.5% from $52.46/hr (2020) to $59.03/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Rancho Cordova

Handling per diem and part-time work can greatly influence financial stability for dental hygienists. For instance, a part-time worker clocking 24 hours weekly would take home approximately $77,000 annually, a notable income compared to full-time positions. Meanwhile, those seeking per diem roles might find agencies offering an hourly range between $40-$60, with higher-end rates in cities like San Francisco reaching up to $85 per hour. In Rancho Cordova, different employment settings shape pay; solo practices may offer competitive but lower rates due to fewer overhead costs, while Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) might provide higher wages alongside benefits like health insurance, creating a trade-off for workers. Understanding these dynamics and negotiating effectively based on experience and the type of practice can significantly impact a dental hygienist's hourly rate in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova is $61.95/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $45.21 at entry level (10th percentile) to $81.31 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 25.2% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Rancho Cordova?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Rancho Cordova earns approximately $6,442/month, or $77,309/year at the median hourly rate of $61.95. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova are paid hourly at a median rate of $61.95/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $128,848/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Rancho Cordova?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Rancho Cordova earns approximately $128,848/year at the median hourly rate of $61.95. This is 25.2% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $169,120/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $81.31/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: