Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $28.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pelham, AL runs $28.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,230 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, AL, a dental hygienist earns a median hourly pay of $28.23, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This wage reflects the typical payment structure found in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics. For dental hygienists working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a respectable amount, though those seeking flexible per-diem positions may find themselves in facilities that offer higher pay scales. Entry-level hygienists may start at approximately $23.45 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $33.87 per hour, illustrating the potential for growth within this field in Pelham.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($60,310) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.45 | $187.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.97 | $199.72 |
| Median (P50) | $28.23 | $225.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.33 | $242.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.87 | $271.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $28.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.23/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $58,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,875. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,129.15 | $4,893 | $58,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.49 | $2,936 | $35,230 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.66 | $1,957 | $23,486 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pelham) | $28.23 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $58,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.97% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $63,468.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.23/hr = $35,230/year (purchasing power: $40,079).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,716/year (purchasing power: $66,799).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$22.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.23/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pelham (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pelham grew 18.5% from $22.70/hr (2020) to $26.90/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.62/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
The earning potential for a dental hygienist working part-time at 24 hours a week would typically result in a yearly income that falls short of full-time counterparts, reflecting the nature of the profession in Pelham. Per diem arrangements can offer lucrative opportunities; while local rates sit lower, dental hygienists can tap into temp agencies that pay between $40-60 per hour in larger metropolitan areas. Different employer types also influence pay; dental service organizations (DSOs) may offer contract positions with varying benefits, making it essential for hygienists to weigh health insurance options against hourly wages. Negotiating effectively can further enhance income; understanding the unique pay structures at local practices versus larger firms is crucial. Taking advantage of networking through associations like the ADHA can provide insights and bolster earning potential in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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