Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $46.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bismarck, ND runs $46.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,677 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $46.22, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate provides a solid earnings potential, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings, such as general dentistry offices, periodontal suites, and community health initiatives. For dental hygienists working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a significant income, while entry-level positions start at approximately $42.00, and more experienced hygienists can earn up to $50.06 per hour. These figures are derived from official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026, indicating a steady demand for professionals in the field.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.00 | $335.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.64 | $341.10 |
| Median (P50) | $46.22 | $369.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.29 | $394.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.06 | $400.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $46.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.22/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $96,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,459. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,848.62 | $8,011 | $96,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,109.17 | $4,806 | $57,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $739.45 | $3,204 | $38,451 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bismarck) | $46.22 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $96,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.50% above the North Dakota state average of $94,704.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.22/hr = $57,677/year (purchasing power: $63,365).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,128/year (purchasing power: $105,608).
CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$38.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.22/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bismarck (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bismarck grew 15.6% from $38.09/hr (2020) to $44.04/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.50/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
The financial reality for part-time dental hygienists in Bismarck, who work about 24 hours a week, offers a substantial annual income compared to those in full-time positions. In the context of per diem dental hygienist pay in Bismarck, rates from temp agencies typically range between $40 to $60 per hour, depending on local demand. When comparing across different types of employers, solo practices, multi-doctor offices, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Pacific Dental may present varying wage structures, often with higher earnings at larger firms. However, some hygienists opt for slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating hourly rates effectively is crucial, especially given the competitive landscape of dental hygiene. Having a clear understanding of one’s worth in the local job market can empower professionals to secure favorable terms while considering all aspects of compensation, including benefits and work-life balance in Bismarck.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bismarck in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bismarck?
Are dental hygienists in Bismarck paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Bismarck?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Bismarck?
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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 Bismarck. 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