Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pocatello, ID: $46.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pocatello, ID runs $46.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pocatello's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,594 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pocatello, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists in 2026 stands at $46.95, which falls slightly below the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate offers potential for part-time workers, such as those opting for a three-day workweek, allowing them to earn a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly pay range for dental hygienists in this area spans from $40.72 at the 10th percentile to $49.80 at the 90th percentile, providing ample earning potential for professionals just starting out, as well as seasoned hygienists in various settings—ranging from general dentistry practice to specialized clinics. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflects the improving economic landscape for dental hygienists in Pocatello, ID.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.72 | $325.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.67 | $333.37 |
| Median (P50) | $46.95 | $375.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.87 | $390.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.80 | $398.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pocatello
Based on $46.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.95/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pocatello, ID can expect to earn approximately $97,656 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,340. With a cost-of-living index of 88.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pocatello.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pocatello
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,878.01 | $8,138 | $97,656 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,126.80 | $4,883 | $58,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.20 | $3,255 | $39,063 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pocatello) | $46.95 |
| 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 Pocatello, ID earn a median of $97,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.20% below the Idaho state average of $99,854.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.95/hr = $58,594/year (purchasing power: $65,905).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,656/year (purchasing power: $109,842).
CoL index: 88.906 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.95/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+43.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pocatello (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pocatello grew 30.4% from $34.32/hr (2020) to $44.74/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.27/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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello
In analyzing part-time earning potential, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $58,187 annually, which mirrors the financial opportunities that full-time professionals often experience. For those exploring per diem dental hygienist pay in Pocatello, rates can fluctuate significantly, particularly when working through temp agencies that might provide $40 to $60 per hour. While larger cities often attract higher hourly wages, local practices in Pocatello present a range of compensation depending on the type of employer. Solo practices might offer lower starting salaries, whereas multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations often provide competitive rates alongside benefits. Dental hygienists need to weigh the importance of benefits against hourly wage increases when considering job offers, as positions with higher pay may not include health insurance. Negotiating for better pay or benefits is crucial, and being informed about industry trends can empower hygienists to maximize their earning potential in the evolving dental field.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pocatello in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Pocatello?
Are dental hygienists in Pocatello paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Pocatello?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Pocatello?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Pocatello. 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