Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $63.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Rialto, CA runs $63.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,301 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, the projected median hourly pay for a dental hygienist in 2026 stands at $63.60, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive rate makes dental hygiene a lucrative option for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week in various dental settings, such as general operatory practices or specialty clinics. With an hourly range from $46.16 for entry-level hygienists to $82.06 for top earners, there's ample opportunity for growth and specialization. This projected figure reflects a healthy market for dental hygienists in Rialto, where they can earn a solid income, especially when considering the area's cost of living index, which is slightly above the national average.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.16 | $369.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.09 | $416.74 |
| Median (P50) | $63.60 | $508.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.54 | $564.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.06 | $656.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $63.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.60/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $132,297 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,325. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,544.17 | $11,025 | $132,297 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,526.50 | $6,615 | $79,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,017.67 | $4,410 | $52,919 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Rialto) | $63.60 |
| 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 Rialto, CA earn a median of $132,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.51% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.80% above the California state average of $129,962.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.60/hr = $79,378/year (purchasing power: $70,184).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,297/year (purchasing power: $116,973).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$53.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.60/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Rialto (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rialto grew 12.5% from $53.87/hr (2020) to $60.61/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.75/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
For those considering part-time work, a dental hygienist operating three days a week for 24 hours can expect substantial take-home earnings, showcasing the advantage of flexible schedules in this profession. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Rialto can vary considerably, with some agency positions offering rates between $40-60 per hour, while higher-cost-of-living areas might boost those rates to $60-85. Employers in Rialto also influence hourly rates, with solo practices typically offering less than large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which are becoming increasingly common and may provide higher wages along with benefits packages. This decision can involve trade-offs, as some professionals choose lower hourly pay for the stability of health insurance while others prioritize earning potential without benefits. Negotiation remains key; dental hygienists in Rialto should be prepared to discuss their value and understand local pay trends to secure favorable compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Rialto?
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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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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