Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Spartanburg, SC: $42.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Spartanburg, SC runs $42.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Spartanburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,753 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Spartanburg, SC, is projected to be $42.27, which falls below the national median of $49.49 per hour. This rate represents the earnings for professionals working in various settings, from traditional general dentistry operatories to more specialized environments such as pediatric clinics and public health mobile units. Those opting for part-time positions, such as three days a week, will find this hourly rate allows for flexible scheduling while still generating a worthwhile income. Entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn approximately $32.72 per hour, while top earners in the area could see rates up to $48.65 per hour, revealing a healthy wage range that reflects experience and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.72 | $261.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.68 | $317.42 |
| Median (P50) | $42.27 | $338.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.03 | $376.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.65 | $389.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spartanburg
Based on $42.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.27/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spartanburg, SC can expect to earn approximately $87,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,724. With a cost-of-living index of 91.05 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spartanburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spartanburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,690.79 | $7,327 | $87,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,014.48 | $4,396 | $52,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.32 | $2,931 | $35,169 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Spartanburg) | $42.27 |
| 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 Spartanburg, SC earn a median of $87,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.60% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% above the South Carolina state average of $87,221.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.27/hr = $52,753/year (purchasing power: $57,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,921/year (purchasing power: $96,563).
CoL index: 91.051 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$28.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.27/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Spartanburg (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Spartanburg grew 40.9% from $28.59/hr (2020) to $40.28/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.36/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 Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg
For a dental hygienist working part-time, specifically three days a week for a total of 24 hours, the annual take-home pay can still be substantive, especially when compared to a full-time position. Generally, per diem dental hygienist pay in Spartanburg can range from $40 to $60 per hour when working with temp agencies, which can often yield higher earnings compared to traditional roles. However, this kind of employment comes with its own set of challenges, including potential gaps in work and a lack of benefits. The types of employers greatly influence hourly wages, with established dental practices and DSOs offering competitive rates, notably but not exclusively, for those willing to accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance and other benefits. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s essential to consider the entire compensation package, including flexible schedules and job security, factors that can make a significant impact on overall job satisfaction and financial stability in Spartanburg.
More salary data for Spartanburg, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Spartanburg in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Spartanburg?
Are dental hygienists in Spartanburg paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Spartanburg?
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 Spartanburg. 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