Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Upland, CA: $60.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Upland, CA runs $60.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,628 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Upland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upland, California, the estimated median hourly pay for dental hygienists is $60.39, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This attractive hourly rate opens doors for part-time dental hygienists typically working three days a week, who can still enjoy a commendable income considering their flexible schedule. For per-diem workers, the compensation can vary widely across different practice settings, including general dentistry, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics. The hourly rate can range from $46.26 for entry-level positions to $78.62 for the most experienced hygienists, reflecting a robust job market in Upland where dental professionals can seek diverse employment opportunities.
About the Upland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.26 | $370.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.29 | $410.36 |
| Median (P50) | $60.39 | $483.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.67 | $541.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.62 | $628.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Upland
Based on $60.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.39/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Upland, CA can expect to earn approximately $125,617 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,472. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Upland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Upland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,415.72 | $10,468 | $125,617 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,449.43 | $6,281 | $75,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $966.29 | $4,187 | $50,247 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Upland) | $60.39 |
| 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 Upland, CA earn a median of $125,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.03% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.30% below the California state average of $129,915.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.39/hr = $75,370/year (purchasing power: $66,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,617/year (purchasing power: $111,068).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$51.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.39/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Upland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $51.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Upland grew 12.5% from $51.15/hr (2020) to $57.55/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.38/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 Upland 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 Upland
For those choosing part-time work, a dental hygienist in Upland, working 24 hours a week, can expect to earn about $75,168 annually, which showcases the potential for solid income without committing to full-time hours. Per diem opportunities often present varied pay scales; while local temp agencies might offer $40-$60 per hour, positions in high-cost-of-living areas can push rates to between $60 and $85. Positions also vary based on the type of employer. Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), pediatric offices, and public health clinics might offer different hourly rates, sometimes incentivizing employees with additional benefits. Many dental hygienists must navigate the trade-off between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a stable position with health insurance options. When negotiating hourly rates in Upland, it's wise to highlight specific skills or experiences that align with the practice's needs, enhancing the likelihood of securing a favorable pay rate.
More salary data for Upland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Upland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Upland?
Are dental hygienists in Upland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Upland?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Upland?
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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 Upland. 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 Upland 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