Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MA: $50.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Plymouth, MA runs $50.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,903 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $50.40, surpassing the national median of $49.49. This figure represents a competitive rate for both full-time and part-time dental hygienists working in various settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and Dental Service Organizations. The hourly wage range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $38.01, while the highest earners can make up to $64.62 per hour. This flexibility in pay reflects the diverse job opportunities available for dental hygienists in the area, allowing per-diem workers and those on a part-time schedule to find competitive compensation based on their availability and expertise.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.01 | $304.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.22 | $337.74 |
| Median (P50) | $50.40 | $403.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.87 | $446.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.62 | $516.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $50.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.40/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,483. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,016.11 | $8,736 | $104,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,209.66 | $5,242 | $62,903 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.44 | $3,495 | $41,935 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Plymouth) | $50.40 |
| 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 Plymouth, MA earn a median of $104,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $104,104.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.40/hr = $62,903/year (purchasing power: $57,975).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,838/year (purchasing power: $96,624).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.40/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Plymouth (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Plymouth grew 15.2% from $41.68/hr (2020) to $48.03/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.89/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
For those considering a part-time role, such as working three days a week for a total of 24 hours, a dental hygienist in Plymouth can expect to earn a respectable annual income, significantly lower than that of full-timers but still substantial. Agencies typically pay per diem dental hygienists between $40 and $60 per hour, with urban areas pushing rates even higher; however, these opportunities may come with less job security and benefits. Various employers also offer different pay scales; for example, multi-doctor practices might provide better hourly rates than solo dental practices. Hygienists must weigh these factors carefully, especially when negotiating pay, considering benefits such as health insurance versus higher hourly wages without benefits. Those seeking hourly positions should approach negotiations with a clear understanding of their value and the unique demands of the Plymouth market.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Plymouth in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Plymouth?
Are dental hygienists in Plymouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Plymouth?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Plymouth?
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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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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