Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Kettering, OH: $42.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Kettering, OH runs $42.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,479 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Kettering's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,491 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kettering, OH, dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $42.06 in 2026, which places it below the national median of $49.49. This difference is significant for those considering part-time or per diem opportunities in various settings such as general dentistry practices, specialty suites, and public health clinics. With an hourly range between $32.86 and $55.57, entry-level hygienists can expect to start near the lower end, while seasoned professionals can earn substantially at the upper end. These figures are drawn from annual salary data, which translates to attractive hourly wages for flexible working arrangements in Kettering, making it a viable option for dental hygienists seeking a balanced work-life dynamic.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($86,075) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.86 | $262.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.20 | $289.63 |
| Median (P50) | $42.06 | $336.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.61 | $380.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.57 | $444.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kettering
Based on $42.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.06/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kettering, OH can expect to earn approximately $87,485 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,472. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kettering.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kettering
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,682.40 | $7,290 | $87,485 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,009.44 | $4,374 | $52,491 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.96 | $2,916 | $34,994 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Kettering) | $42.06 |
| 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 Kettering, OH earn a median of $87,479 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.02% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% below the Ohio state average of $88,721.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.06/hr = $52,491/year (purchasing power: $57,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,485/year (purchasing power: $96,455).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.06/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+35.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Kettering (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kettering grew 23.0% from $32.59/hr (2020) to $40.08/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.14/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 Kettering 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 Kettering
Beyond the base hourly rate, the financial potential for part-time dental hygienists working three days a week can lead to annual earnings that considerably differ from full-time counterparts. For instance, a 24-hour workweek could yield around $52,000 annually, less than two-thirds of what a full-time hygienist might earn. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Kettering can range widely depending on the employer, with agencies often offering rates between $40-$60 per hour. Solo practices generally offer lower rates compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty practices, which might provide perks alongside higher compensation. However, many hygienists may opt for lower hourly rates linked with health benefits from employers; balancing benefits against wage can be key for individuals navigating their career paths in dental hygiene. For those negotiating pay, emphasizing experience and certification, especially in high-demand areas like pediatric or periodontal practices, can lead to more favorable hourly offers in Kettering's evolving job market.
More salary data for Kettering, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kettering in 2026?
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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 Kettering. 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 Kettering 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