Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Sitka, AK: $48.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Sitka, AK runs $48.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,910 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Sitka's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,545 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Sitka, Alaska, can expect a median hourly rate of $48.51, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This level of pay is conducive for part-time workers, enabling a flexible schedule for those who prefer to work three days a week in settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric specialty offices. For per-diem dental hygienists, this hourly rate signifies a stable income option in a predominantly private dental practice environment, where typical rates may range from $40.23 for entry-level positions to $58.25 for highly experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the varying demand and cost of living considerations in Alaska.
About the Sitka Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($129,839) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.23 | $321.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.86 | $342.86 |
| Median (P50) | $48.51 | $388.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.01 | $416.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.25 | $466.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sitka
Based on $48.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.51/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sitka, AK can expect to earn approximately $100,909 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,217. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sitka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sitka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,940.55 | $8,409 | $100,909 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,164.33 | $5,045 | $60,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $776.22 | $3,364 | $40,363 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Sitka) | $48.51 |
| 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 Sitka, AK earn a median of $100,910 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $109,210.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.51/hr = $60,545/year (purchasing power: $57,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,909/year (purchasing power: $95,107).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$36.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.51/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Sitka (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Sitka grew 27.3% from $36.33/hr (2020) to $46.23/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.91/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 Sitka 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 Sitka
Looking closer at the financial implications for dental hygienists in Sitka reveals diverse earning opportunities depending on work arrangements and employer types. For those working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can still be substantial, diverging significantly from full-time wages, especially for those opting for per diem roles where compensation ranges significantly, often supported by temporary agencies. Although solo practices may offer lower pay, larger operations such as DSOs or specialty offices might draw more competitive hourly rates. Moreover, hygiene professionals often contend with the benefits-versus-pay trade-off: some may accept lower wages for the security of health benefits, while others might seek higher pay without health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals should emphasize their specific skills and the local market conditions in Sitka, ensuring that they leverage any unique training or certifications to secure the best possible rate.
More salary data for Sitka, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Sitka in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Sitka?
Are dental hygienists in Sitka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Sitka?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Sitka?
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 Sitka. 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 Sitka 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