Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Springfield, MO: $43.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Springfield, MO runs $43.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,080 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,049 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Springfield, MO, is projected to be $43.31, which is significantly lower compared to the national hourly median of $49.49. This discrepancy suggests that dental hygienists working in Springfield may find themselves earning less than their counterparts across the nation. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this translates into a consistent income while allowing for work-life balance. For per-diem workers, this hourly rate in typical environments—like general dentistry operatories, pediatric examination rooms, and public health clinics—can provide flexibility in working hours. Moreover, the hourly earnings range for dental hygienists in the area spans from $27.00 for entry-level positions to $48.97 for top earners, indicating a clear pathway for advancement based on experience and skill level.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.00 | $216.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.28 | $322.21 |
| Median (P50) | $43.31 | $346.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.36 | $370.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.97 | $391.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $43.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.31/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $90,082 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,970. With a cost-of-living index of 88.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,732.35 | $7,507 | $90,082 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,039.41 | $4,504 | $54,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.94 | $3,003 | $36,033 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Springfield) | $43.31 |
| 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 Springfield, MO earn a median of $90,080 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.50% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% below the Missouri state average of $90,352.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.31/hr = $54,049/year (purchasing power: $61,014).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,082/year (purchasing power: $101,690).
CoL index: 88.585 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.31/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Springfield (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Springfield grew 11.7% from $36.95/hr (2020) to $41.27/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.45/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
While the hourly wage in Springfield appears modest compared to national averages, the trade-offs for dental hygienists vary significantly depending on their employment setting. A 3-day workweek schedule allows these professionals to earn a comfortable income, estimated at around $67,000 annually, still falling short when compared to the potential of full-time positions. For those considering temporary work, per diem dental hygienist pay in Springfield often ranges from $40 to $60 per hour; notable disparities occur in high-cost living cities where wages can reach $60-$85. This trend is reflective of the type of employer as well—solo practices might offer lower hourly rates compared to multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that often include benefit packages. Many dental hygienists must weigh the appeal of higher hourly rates against the security of benefits, such as health insurance, when considering job offers. For those negotiating their pay, it is crucial to research local compensation trends and be prepared to advocate for rates that reflect their expertise and the current market conditions.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Springfield. 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