Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Virginia Beach, VA: $49.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Virginia Beach, VA runs $49.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Virginia Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,261 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach $49.89 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $49.49. This figure provides a solid foundation for those considering various employment arrangements, particularly part-time or per-diem work. With the hourly range for dental hygienists in the area extending from $47.23 for entry-level positions to $53.34 for seasoned professionals, flexibility can lead to substantial earnings in settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric specialties, and public health clinics. The official BLS data highlights the competitive nature of this field, making it an appealing career option for those holding a valid RDH license and looking to balance work with personal obligations.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.23 | $377.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.36 | $378.88 |
| Median (P50) | $49.89 | $399.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.53 | $404.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.34 | $426.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Virginia Beach
Based on $49.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.89/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Virginia Beach, VA can expect to earn approximately $103,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,866. With a cost-of-living index of 97.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Virginia Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,995.54 | $8,647 | $103,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,197.32 | $5,188 | $62,261 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $798.22 | $3,459 | $41,507 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Virginia Beach) | $49.89 |
| 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 Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $103,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.81% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $105,355.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.89/hr = $62,261/year (purchasing power: $63,570).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,768/year (purchasing power: $105,950).
CoL index: 97.941 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$38.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.89/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Virginia Beach (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Virginia Beach grew 24.7% from $38.11/hr (2020) to $47.54/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.35/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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Shifting the focus towards part-time employment, a dental hygienist working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, can expect a significant annual income. For instance, at the median hourly rate, a part-time hygienist could take home approximately $62,278 each year, while full-time colleagues might earn substantially more. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Virginia Beach, typically ranging from $40 to $60 per hour through agency work, offers an alternative for those seeking flexibility, although variance exists based on factors like the practice type. Different employer models, including solo practices, multi-provider teams, or DSOs, can influence hourly rates, often swaying hygienists toward better pay with fewer benefits or securing steadier roles with comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating these aspects can be vital in maximizing earning potential, especially for those entering the evolving landscape of dental hygiene in Virginia Beach.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Virginia Beach?
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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 Virginia Beach. 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