Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $40.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Waukegan, IL runs $40.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,145 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,089 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay is estimated at $40.94 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $49.49. This rate presents significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various dental settings such as general practices, specialized offices, and mobile clinics. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage can provide a stable income while allowing flexibility in their scheduling. The hourly compensation for dental hygienists in Waukegan ranges from $30.52 for entry-level positions to approximately $54.64 for professionals at the top of the pay scale. This range is derived from annual salary projections, reflecting how hourly earnings can vary based on experience and workplace dynamics.
About the Waukegan 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) | $30.52 | $244.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.02 | $272.17 |
| Median (P50) | $40.94 | $327.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.11 | $360.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.64 | $437.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $40.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.94/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $85,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,125. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,637.48 | $7,096 | $85,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $982.49 | $4,257 | $51,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.99 | $2,838 | $34,060 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Waukegan) | $40.94 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $85,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.29% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $85,060.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.94/hr = $51,089/year (purchasing power: $52,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,149/year (purchasing power: $87,692).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.94/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Waukegan (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waukegan grew 7.2% from $36.40/hr (2020) to $39.01/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.96/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours per week in Waukegan can expect to take home around $51,212 annually, presenting a viable option for those not looking to commit to full-time roles while maintaining a decent quality of life. In contrast, agency or per diem positions typically offer flexible schedules with pay rates that can range from $40 to $60 per hour, sometimes even higher in major metropolitan areas. The hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer; for instance, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may offer more competitive pay and benefits compared to private practices. While some hygienists opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, many find value in lower-paying positions that include health insurance and retirement plans. For those negotiating their pay, it's beneficial to research prevailing wages within Waukegan, and understanding the trade-offs of benefits can be crucial in determining the most advantageous employment scenario.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waukegan in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Waukegan?
Are dental hygienists in Waukegan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Waukegan?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukegan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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