Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $48.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Ithaca, NY runs $48.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,833 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, NY, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $48.74, making it slightly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly pay reflects the various practice settings where dental hygienists work, including general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, public health mobile units, and larger dental service organizations (DSOs). For dental hygienists working part-time—say, three days a week—their compensation can still be attractive, making it feasible for those who opt for flexible scheduling or per diem arrangements. The hourly pay range in Ithaca shows entry-level positions starting at $39.60 while experienced hygienists can earn up to $53.40 per hour, emphasizing the potential earning variability on the basis of experience and the specific employer.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.60 | $316.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.15 | $329.18 |
| Median (P50) | $48.74 | $389.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.37 | $410.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.40 | $427.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $48.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.74/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $101,389 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,494. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,949.79 | $8,449 | $101,389 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,169.87 | $5,069 | $60,833 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.91 | $3,380 | $40,556 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Ithaca) | $48.74 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $101,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.51% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% above the New York state average of $98,249.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.74/hr = $60,833/year (purchasing power: $58,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,389/year (purchasing power: $98,134).
CoL index: 103.317 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$39.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.74/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Ithaca (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $39.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ithaca grew 17.1% from $39.66/hr (2020) to $46.45/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.15/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
A dental hygienist working part-time in Ithaca, averaging 24 hours a week, can expect to take home around $61,001 annually, significantly less than a full-time salary but still viable for many in the profession. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Ithaca can also vary, with temp agencies typically offering rates falling between $40 and $60 per hour, though some may even attract higher rates. When exploring employment avenues, hourly rates can differ significantly based on setting; solo practices may pay differently compared to multi-doctor group practices or large DSOs like Heartland or Aspen. Many hygienists weigh their options between accepting lower hourly rates that offer benefits or higher pay without them. For those looking to negotiate their hourly wage, understanding the market and demonstrating experience can make a substantial difference in securing a favorable pay rate while working in Ithaca's dental scene.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Ithaca in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Ithaca?
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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 Ithaca. 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