Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Ashland, OR: $55.16 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Ashland, OR runs $55.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,717 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Ashland's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,835 per year.

$114,717
Median Annual Salary
$55.16/hr
Hourly Rate
$89,850
Entry Level (P10)
$143,242
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Ashland, Oregon, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $55.16, which exceeds the national median of $49.49. This variance indicates strong earning potential for hygienists in the area, particularly for those working in traditional settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For part-time professionals or per-diem workers, this hourly rate can significantly enhance their take-home pay, especially when working three days a week. Additionally, the hourly range extends from $43.19 for entry-level positions up to $68.86 for the most experienced hygienists, making Ashland an attractive market for those considering careers in dental hygiene.

About the Ashland Market

Salary estimated from Oregon average ($116,344) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$43.19$345.55
Lower Range (P25)$49.22$393.73
Median (P50)$55.16$441.25
Upper Range (P75)$57.55$460.39
Top Earners (P90)$68.86$550.89

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashland

Based on $55.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Ashland earning $55.16/hr would make approximately $66,188 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $114,725 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$66,188Reduced (32 hr/wk)$88,250Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$114,725

At $55.16/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashland, OR can expect to earn approximately $114,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,188. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ashland.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$441.25
per 8hr shift
$2,206.26
per week
$9,560
per month
$114,725
per year

Schedule Comparison in Ashland

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,206.26$9,560$114,725
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,323.76$5,736$68,835
Per Diem (16 hrs)$882.50$3,824$45,890

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Ashland)$55.16
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 Ashland ($114,717) with Oregon average ($121,010) and the US national median ($102,946).Ashland$114,717Oregon Avg$121,010-5.20%US National$102,946+11.43%

Dental Hygienists in Ashland, OR earn a median of $114,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.43% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $121,010.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $55.16/hr = $68,835/year (purchasing power: $67,091).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,725/year (purchasing power: $111,818).

CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).

2020 BLS Actual

$39.86/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$52.56/hr

2026 Current Est.

$55.16/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+45.2%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Ashland (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 Ashland. Baseline $39.86/hr in 2025, projected to $57.88/hr by 2027.$36$43$49$55$61202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$39.86$43.84$44.65$48.90$52.81$52.56$55.16$57.88
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$39.86/hrActual
2021$43.84/hrActual
2022$44.65/hrActual
2023$48.90/hrActual
2024$52.81/hrActual
2025$52.56/hrActual
2026(current)$55.16/hrEstimated
2027$57.88/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ashland grew 31.9% from $39.86/hr (2020) to $52.56/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.88/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 Ashland 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 Ashland

For those working part-time, committing to a three-day workweek can yield a substantial annual income compared to full-time engagements. In Ashland, per diem dental hygienist pay can vary widely, with temp agencies typically offering between $40 and $60 per hour. Hygienists working in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living may see rates climb into the $60 to $85 range. Earnings will also fluctuate depending on the employer type in Ashland, with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often providing stability and benefits, albeit sometimes at lower hourly rates compared to private practices. Understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits is essential for making informed career choices. When negotiating pay, it’s beneficial for dental hygienists to highlight their unique skills and experience, particularly in high-demand environments, to secure a more favorable rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ashland in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ashland is $55.16/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $43.19 at entry level (10th percentile) to $68.86 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 11.4% 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 Ashland?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Ashland earns approximately $5,736/month, or $68,835/year at the median hourly rate of $55.16. 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 Ashland paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Ashland are paid hourly at a median rate of $55.16/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $114,725/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 Ashland?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Ashland earns approximately $114,725/year at the median hourly rate of $55.16. This is 11.4% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $143,232/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 Ashland?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Ashland sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $68.86/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

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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 Ashland. 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 Ashland 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

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