Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $67.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Seattle, WA runs $67.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,211 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Seattle is projected to be $67.48, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate provides an attractive opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers within the region. For example, a dental hygienist working three days a week could anticipate an income reflecting this hourly rate, making it feasible to enjoy a work-life balance while earning a solid wage. The hourly pay range in Seattle also varies widely, from $64.39 for entry-level positions to $82.17 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth in this profession. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrates the lucrative nature of dental hygiene in this vibrant city.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64.39 | $515.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67.03 | $536.20 |
| Median (P50) | $67.48 | $539.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.82 | $646.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.17 | $657.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $67.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.48/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $140,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,972. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,699.06 | $11,696 | $140,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,619.43 | $7,018 | $84,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,079.62 | $4,678 | $56,140 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Seattle) | $67.48 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $140,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.33% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 8.80% above the Washington state average of $128,995.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.48/hr = $84,211/year (purchasing power: $75,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,351/year (purchasing power: $126,291).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$47.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.48/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Seattle (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Seattle grew 34.2% from $47.90/hr (2020) to $64.30/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.81/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Part-time dental hygienists, working a reduced schedule of 24 hours per week, can expect to take home approximately $84,509 annually, a figure that underscores the strong earning potential even for those not engaged in full-time roles. Meanwhile, per diem dental hygienist pay in Seattle tends to vary significantly, with agencies often compensating workers between $40 to $60 per hour, reflecting the city’s higher cost of living. It's not uncommon for travel hygienist positions to push hourly earnings even higher, particularly in metropolitan settings like Seattle. Hourly rates can also differ based on the type of employer; solo practices may provide different pay scales compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Aspen or Pacific Dental, which may offer additional perks such as sign-on bonuses. While some dental hygienists may prefer a higher hourly wage without additional benefits, many opt to work in roles offering health insurance and stability, balancing their compensation against the security and advantages of full-time employment. For those navigating salary negotiations, it's advisable to research industry standards and leverage local data, ensuring fair compensation reflective of the competitive Seattle market.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Seattle. 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