Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in South Milwaukee, WI: $46.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in South Milwaukee, WI runs $46.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against South Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Milwaukee, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $46.00 in 2026. This rate comes in slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.49, reflecting regional economic conditions. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into manageable earnings that can still provide a decent lifestyle, particularly in general dentistry settings or public health clinics. Entry-level positions might start at around $36.40 per hour, while experienced hygienists can reach up to $57.62 per hour in specialty practices or managed care environments. Overall, the hourly rates for dental hygienists in South Milwaukee reflect a diverse range of opportunities that accommodate both full-time and per-diem arrangements.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.40 | $291.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.37 | $314.99 |
| Median (P50) | $46.00 | $367.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.11 | $384.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.62 | $460.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Milwaukee
Based on $46.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.00/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $95,670 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,194. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,839.81 | $7,973 | $95,670 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,103.88 | $4,784 | $57,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $735.92 | $3,189 | $38,268 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (South Milwaukee) | $46.00 |
| 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 South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $95,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.08% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,694.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.00/hr = $57,402/year (purchasing power: $61,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,670/year (purchasing power: $102,430).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.00/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in South Milwaukee (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in South Milwaukee grew 35.9% from $32.24/hr (2020) to $43.83/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.27/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 South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee
When considering the financial realities of part-time and per-diem work, a dental hygienist working three days a week can expect to earn significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, working a typical 24-hour schedule might yield around $57,120 in a year, contrasting with full-time wages that can exceed $95,659. Per diem dental hygienist pay in South Milwaukee emphasizes flexibility, often ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, although those seeking opportunities in high-cost urban centers may see even higher pay. The hourly rate can also fluctuate based on the type of employers; dental hygienists in large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may see wages on the higher end, while those working in solo practices might earn less but have access to benefits. Negotiating for health benefits versus a higher wage is a common trade-off and can influence job choice significantly. It is advisable for dental hygienists to familiarize themselves with local market conditions and understand their worth to effectively advocate for fair pay amidst various employment options in South Milwaukee.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in South Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in South Milwaukee?
Are dental hygienists in South Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in South Milwaukee?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in South Milwaukee?
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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 South Milwaukee. 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 South Milwaukee 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