Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Medford, OR: $55.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Medford, OR runs $55.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,644 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,385 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Medford, Oregon, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach an impressive $55.60 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate provides an appealing option for both part-time dental hygienists and per diem workers, who might typically be employed in various settings including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health mobile clinics. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $50.82, while the top earners in the field may see hourly wages rise to $62.59, highlighting a lucrative range for professionals at different stages in their careers. These figures are sourced from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data, painting a positive picture of the profession in the region.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.82 | $406.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.25 | $410.02 |
| Median (P50) | $55.60 | $444.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.45 | $483.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.59 | $500.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $55.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.60/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, OR can expect to earn approximately $115,642 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,717. With a cost-of-living index of 101.43 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,223.89 | $9,637 | $115,642 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,334.33 | $5,782 | $69,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $889.56 | $3,855 | $46,257 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Medford) | $55.60 |
| 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 Medford, OR earn a median of $115,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.40% below the Oregon state average of $120,966.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.60/hr = $69,385/year (purchasing power: $68,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,642/year (purchasing power: $114,008).
CoL index: 101.433 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.60/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Medford (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Medford grew 27.6% from $41.51/hr (2020) to $52.98/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.34/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 Medford 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 Medford
Seeking part-time employment as a dental hygienist in Medford often translates into an annual income that reflects the flexibility of working three days a week, typically amounting to around $43,680 before taxes. For those interested in per diem positions, the compensation can vary, with many temp agencies offering $40-60 per hour, while high-cost living cities may push rates up even further. In Medford, hourly pay varies significantly based on employer type; solo practices may offer different compensation structures compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland Dental or multi-doctor group practices. While some hygienists may opt for the benefits provided by full-time roles, others may prefer higher hourly rates at practices that do not offer health insurance. Understanding these nuances allows dental hygienists to negotiate effectively, ensuring that they secure favorable hourly pay arrangements that align with their career aspirations and financial needs in Medford, OR.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Medford in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Medford?
Are dental hygienists in Medford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Medford?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Medford?
Related Pages
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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 Medford. 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