Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Superior, WI: $46.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Superior, WI runs $46.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,344 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Superior's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Superior, Wisconsin, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $46.32, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time positions, allowing hygienists to capitalize on their skills whether they work three days a week in general dentistry practices or provide care on a per-diem basis in settings like pediatric offices or public health clinics. The hourly pay varies significantly within the local market, ranging from $37.50 at the entry level to as high as $59.35 for top earners in specialized practices. These figures are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the growing demand for dental hygiene professionals in the area as the field continues to evolve.
About the Superior 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) | $37.50 | $299.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.49 | $323.89 |
| Median (P50) | $46.32 | $370.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.63 | $413.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.35 | $474.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Superior
Based on $46.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.32/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Superior, WI can expect to earn approximately $96,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,585. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Superior.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Superior
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,852.82 | $8,029 | $96,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,111.69 | $4,817 | $57,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $741.13 | $3,212 | $38,539 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Superior) | $46.32 |
| 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 Superior, WI earn a median of $96,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,673.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.32/hr = $57,808/year (purchasing power: $61,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,347/year (purchasing power: $103,155).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.32/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Superior (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Superior grew 35.9% from $32.47/hr (2020) to $44.14/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.61/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 Superior 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 Superior
Analyzing the earnings potential, a part-time dental hygienist working a typical schedule of three days a week (24 hours) could take home approximately $54,611 annually, which could be a beneficial choice compared to a full-time workload. For per-diem or agency roles, the pay may fluctuate significantly; although local agencies in Superior may offer hourly rates starting at $40, hygienists could see much higher compensation in areas with a higher cost of living, like San Francisco or New York City, often exceeding $60/hour. It’s noteworthy that compensation can vary depending on the type of practice where a hygienist is employed. Solo practices may offer different rates compared to larger dental service organizations, which might provide added benefits such as health insurance but potentially lower hourly wages. When seeking positions, hygienists should consider the trade-off between hourly pay and the benefits offered, and effective negotiation strategies can help secure a favorable compensation package tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Superior. 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 Superior 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