Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $38.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $38.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,964 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,575 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Crystal Lake, Illinois, is projected to be $38.92. This figure represents a significant earnings gap compared to the national hourly median of $49.49. For dental hygienists who work part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates into a steady income while also allowing flexibility in their schedules. Part-time or per diem dental hygienists, who may work in various environments including general dental practices, pediatric clinics, and public health settings, will find hourly rates ranging from $31.21 for entry-level positions to approximately $49.52 for the most experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, underscoring the variability in earnings depending on both skill level and employment type.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.21 | $249.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.80 | $270.41 |
| Median (P50) | $38.92 | $311.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.17 | $345.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.52 | $396.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $38.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.92/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $80,958 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,707. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,556.89 | $6,747 | $80,958 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $934.13 | $4,048 | $48,575 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.76 | $2,699 | $32,383 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Crystal Lake) | $38.92 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $80,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.35% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $85,047.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.92/hr = $48,575/year (purchasing power: $50,026).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,958/year (purchasing power: $83,376).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.92/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Crystal Lake (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Crystal Lake grew 7.2% from $34.61/hr (2020) to $37.09/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.85/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Exploring the earning potential for a dental hygienist in Crystal Lake, part-time professionals working approximately 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $48,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Additionally, per diem opportunities can offer varying pay rates, with agencies typically compensating registered dental hygienists between $40 and $60 per hour. In high-cost living areas such as San Francisco or New York City, rates can even reach $60 to $85 per hour. Within Crystal Lake, factors like the type of employer—such as solo practices, group offices, or large dental service organizations—can greatly influence hourly rates. Many dental hygienists must balance the trade-offs between potentially higher hourly wages without benefits against more stable roles that offer health insurance and retirement plans. For those negotiating their salary, understanding market rates and recognizing the advantages offered by various employers will be key to making informed career decisions in this sector.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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