Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Milwaukie, OR: $53.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Milwaukie, OR runs $53.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,231 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Milwaukie's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milwaukie, Oregon, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $53.48, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This attractive pay level can appeal to those looking for part-time positions, such as working three days a week, allowing for a flexible work-life balance in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and even public health clinics. The hourly rate for dental hygienists in Milwaukie ranges from $43.82 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $65.37 for the top earners (90th percentile), presenting options for both recent graduates entering the workforce and seasoned professionals seeking to maximize their earnings. The hourly rates derived from the annual salary figures suggest a promising financial outlook for dental hygienists navigating career opportunities in this region.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($116,344) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.82 | $350.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.91 | $375.27 |
| Median (P50) | $53.48 | $427.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.16 | $465.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.37 | $522.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukie
Based on $53.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.48/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukie, OR can expect to earn approximately $111,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,173. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milwaukie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,139.10 | $9,269 | $111,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,283.46 | $5,562 | $66,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $855.64 | $3,708 | $44,493 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Milwaukie) | $53.48 |
| 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 Milwaukie, OR earn a median of $111,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.05% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 8.10% below the Oregon state average of $121,035.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.48/hr = $66,740/year (purchasing power: $65,049).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,233/year (purchasing power: $108,414).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$38.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.48/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+45.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Milwaukie (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Milwaukie grew 31.8% from $38.65/hr (2020) to $50.96/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.12/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 Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie
For those contemplating a part-time role as a dental hygienist, it is essential to consider the practical implications of their pay structure. Working 24 hours per week allows for an annual take-home significantly comparable to full-time earnings, while full-time hygienists enjoy consistent work and benefits. Meanwhile, per diem dental hygienist pay in Milwaukie can vary based on demand and employer type, with many agencies paying between $40 to $60 per hour. This flexibility is particularly appealing to those who may prefer the independence of working as a traveling hygienist, despite such positions being less common. Different employer types in Milwaukie yield varying compensation rates: solo dental practices often offer competitive hourly wages, while larger entities such as Dental Service Organizations can provide enhanced benefits, albeit potentially at a lower rate. When negotiating hourly pay, consider factors such as benefits, work environment, and job security, as some professionals may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance or retirement benefits, aiming for a balanced approach to career satisfaction.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Milwaukie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Milwaukie?
Are dental hygienists in Milwaukie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Milwaukie?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Milwaukie?
Related Pages
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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 Milwaukie. 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 Milwaukie 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