Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $52.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bozeman, MT runs $52.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,889 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Bozeman, Montana, is projected to reach a median of $52.80, which is significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive rate opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem dental hygienists working in settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal suites, pediatric clinics, and public health facilities. For those pursuing part-time work, like a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a solid income while offering flexibility. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Bozeman reflects this variance in experience, with entry-level positions earning around $50.92 at the 10th percentile, while the top earners at the 90th percentile can make as much as $56.71. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.92 | $407.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.00 | $415.98 |
| Median (P50) | $52.80 | $422.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.10 | $424.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.71 | $453.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $52.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.80/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $109,814 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,354. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,111.81 | $9,151 | $109,814 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,267.09 | $5,491 | $65,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.73 | $3,660 | $43,926 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bozeman) | $52.80 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $109,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.68% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 6.60% above the Montana state average of $103,020.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.80/hr = $65,889/year (purchasing power: $64,275).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,814/year (purchasing power: $107,125).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$37.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.80/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bozeman (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bozeman grew 35.6% from $37.09/hr (2020) to $50.31/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.40/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists provides insight into their annual income compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) at the current rates can yield an annual income that is substantial but notably lower than full-time work. The flexibility of part-time positions or per diem roles may align with personal lifestyle choices, though the per diem dental hygienist pay in Bozeman varies, with temporary agencies offering between $40 and $60 per hour. In contrast, dental hygienists can encounter different hourly rates depending on their employers. Those in group practices or DSOs like Heartland Dental may find structured compensation packages that include benefits, while solo practices might offer higher hourly rates without healthcare benefits. This creates a nuanced decision-making process for professionals—balancing immediate pay against long-term benefits. Negotiation tactics specific to Bozeman, such as market research and understanding employer expectations, can empower dental hygienists to maximize their earnings while advancing their careers.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bozeman in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bozeman?
Are dental hygienists in Bozeman paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Bozeman?
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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 Bozeman. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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