Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wooster, OH: $41.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wooster, OH runs $41.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,882 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wooster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,535 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wooster, Ohio, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists is $41.29, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This difference may influence both part-time and per-diem workers, as those in general dentistry operatories, specialty suites, and public health clinics may find varying employment opportunities. Dental hygienists entering the field can expect an entry-level hourly rate around $34.01, while experienced professionals can earn up to $52.34 per hour. These hourly estimates, derived from projected annual salaries, help delineate the earning potential available in this vital healthcare profession.
About the Wooster 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) | $34.01 | $272.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.66 | $293.24 |
| Median (P50) | $41.29 | $330.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.14 | $353.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.34 | $418.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wooster
Based on $41.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.29/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wooster, OH can expect to earn approximately $85,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,553. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wooster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wooster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.76 | $7,158 | $85,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.05 | $4,295 | $51,535 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.70 | $2,863 | $34,357 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wooster) | $41.29 |
| 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 Wooster, OH earn a median of $85,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.58% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $88,721.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.29/hr = $51,535/year (purchasing power: $56,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,891/year (purchasing power: $94,698).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.29/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wooster (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wooster grew 21.9% from $32.29/hr (2020) to $39.35/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.33/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 Wooster 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 Wooster
When considering part-time employment, a dental hygienist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would bring home approximately $51,585 annually. This stands in contrast to full-time positions, which can yield significantly greater earnings. Per diem positions, often filled through staffing agencies, typically offer rates in the range of $40-$60 per hour, providing flexibility but varying income based on demand. In Wooster, compensation can vary across different employer types, with practices like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) potentially offering lower hourly rates coupled with benefits, while independent practices might pay more on an hourly basis without health insurance. For those seeking a balance between hourly pay and job security, negotiating for a higher hourly rate while considering the value of benefits can be essential for achieving job satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Wooster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wooster?
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Career Resources
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 Wooster. 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 Wooster 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