Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $49.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Suffolk, VA runs $49.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach $49.78 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This competitive rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, offering substantial income even on a reduced schedule. A dental hygienist working just three days a week could earn an attractive salary while still enjoying personal time or additional pursuits. The hourly range within Suffolk spans from $39.63 for entry-level positions to $66.30 for experienced top earners. It's important to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the city's economic landscape and the demand for dental hygienists in various settings, including general dentistry, pediatric specializations, and public health facilities.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($94,466) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.63 | $317.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.26 | $346.05 |
| Median (P50) | $49.78 | $398.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.83 | $430.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.30 | $530.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $49.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.78/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $103,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,740. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,991.34 | $8,629 | $103,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,194.80 | $5,177 | $62,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.54 | $3,452 | $41,420 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Suffolk) | $49.78 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $103,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.58% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $105,332.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.78/hr = $62,130/year (purchasing power: $60,203).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,550/year (purchasing power: $100,339).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$36.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.78/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+42.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Suffolk (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Suffolk grew 29.6% from $36.61/hr (2020) to $47.44/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.24/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Considering the earning potential, a dental hygienist working three days a week, amounting to approximately 24 hours, can earn a significant annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. In per diem roles, hygienists may find positions with flexible hours that typically pay between $40 and $60 per hour, with higher wages in more expensive metropolitan areas. However, the reality of per diem work often involves fluctuating income and inconsistent employment. Hourly rates can vary depending on the employer type, with private practices, multi-doctor groups, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen each offering different compensation structures. Some dental hygienists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which can provide financial stability. Negotiation for these positions in Suffolk can be nuanced, balancing hourly pay rates and benefit packages, especially in a competitive job market shaped by shifts in healthcare practices and the increasing role of dental service organizations.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Suffolk in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Suffolk?
Are dental hygienists in Suffolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Suffolk?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Suffolk?
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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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