Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Oakley, CA: $60.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Oakley, CA runs $60.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Oakley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,449 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakley, California, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $60.46 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health mobile clinics. For those considering part-time work, such as 24 hours per week over three days, the hourly rate can translate into a substantial income, with entry-level positions starting around $45.10 and top earners commanding up to $76.68. Moreover, these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating the diverse earning potential available for dental hygienists in Oakley.
About the Oakley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.10 | $360.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.69 | $429.50 |
| Median (P50) | $60.46 | $483.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.92 | $535.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.68 | $613.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakley
Based on $60.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.46/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakley, CA can expect to earn approximately $125,748 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,547. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,418.24 | $10,479 | $125,748 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,450.94 | $6,287 | $75,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $967.29 | $4,192 | $50,299 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Oakley) | $60.46 |
| 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 Oakley, CA earn a median of $125,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.15% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% below the California state average of $129,908.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.46/hr = $75,449/year (purchasing power: $66,710).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,748/year (purchasing power: $111,183).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$51.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.46/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Oakley (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $51.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Oakley grew 12.5% from $51.20/hr (2020) to $57.61/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.44/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 Oakley 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 Oakley
Examining the local job market further reveals intriguing dynamics, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. A dental hygienist working three days a week could earn a notable income, roughly translating to a part-time annual salary of about $75,000. Conversely, the per diem dental hygienist pay in Oakley may fluctuate, especially if they engage with temp agencies that often offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour. Moreover, hourly earnings can significantly vary based on the type of employer. For instance, solo dental practices may offer different compensation compared to larger multi-doctor organizations or dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen Health, where a higher hourly wage may come with health insurance benefits. When negotiating pay, dental hygienists should weigh the benefits against pay rates, considering how positions with higher hourly pay may not include essential benefits. Understanding these nuances will aid professionals in making informed career decisions in the dental hygiene field in Oakley.
More salary data for Oakley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Oakley in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Oakley?
Are dental hygienists in Oakley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Oakley?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Oakley?
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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 Oakley. 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 Oakley 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