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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.01/hr | Projected |
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 (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova 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 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.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Rancho Cordova?
Are dental hygienists in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
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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 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).
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