Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in West Bend, WI: $47.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in West Bend, WI runs $47.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against West Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,366 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In West Bend, Wisconsin, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $47.57 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This figure provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers in settings like general dentistry, pediatric practices, and public health clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $36.61 for entry-level positions to $56.98 for top earners, dental hygienists can find opportunities that align with their career goals and desired work-life balance. These hourly rates are reflective of annual salary estimates and highlight the potential earnings within the local market for dental hygienists.
About the West Bend Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.61 | $292.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.22 | $321.79 |
| Median (P50) | $47.57 | $380.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.72 | $405.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.98 | $455.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Bend
Based on $47.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.57/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Bend, WI can expect to earn approximately $98,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,083. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,902.77 | $8,245 | $98,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,141.66 | $4,947 | $59,366 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $761.11 | $3,298 | $39,578 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (West Bend) | $47.57 |
| 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 West Bend, WI earn a median of $98,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.89% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,650.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.57/hr = $59,366/year (purchasing power: $63,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,944/year (purchasing power: $105,936).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.57/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in West Bend (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in West Bend grew 35.9% from $33.35/hr (2020) to $45.33/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.92/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 West Bend 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 West Bend
Considering the part-time employment landscape, a dental hygienist working three days a week, roughly totaling 24 hours, would earn significantly different amounts compared to full-time counterparts. While a part-time hygienist may take home a modest sum annually, per-diem dental hygienist pay in West Bend can vary widely based on employer type, whether it's a solo practice, a Dental Service Organization, or a pediatric specialty office. Per-diem roles often offer hourly wages between $40 to $60, appealing for those seeking flexible schedules, yet they come with the trade-off of lacking benefits like health insurance. For hygienists who prioritize stability, joining established clinics may provide lower hourly rates but include health coverage. Negotiating pay might be an essential skill; understanding the worth of experience or certifications, like those from the ADA CODA, can lead to improved compensation in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for West Bend, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in West Bend in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in West Bend?
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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 West Bend. 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 West Bend 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