Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Highland, UT: $40.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Highland, UT runs $40.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Highland's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,566 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Highland, Utah, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists stands at $40.52, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This compensation reflects the local job market and may influence part-time and per-diem opportunities in various healthcare settings such as general dental offices and specialty practices. For those working part-time, specifically three days a week, or per-diem, this hourly rate translates to potential earnings that can support flexible work schedules. The hourly rate for dental hygienists in Highland ranges from $31.41 for entry-level positions to $47.62 for the highest earners, providing a clear pay gradient based on experience and employer type. Understanding these figures is essential for professionals considering their career options in the region.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($83,499) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.41 | $251.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.71 | $293.66 |
| Median (P50) | $40.52 | $324.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.79 | $342.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.62 | $380.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Highland
Based on $40.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Highland, UT can expect to earn approximately $84,276 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,621. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Highland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Highland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,620.69 | $7,023 | $84,276 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $972.42 | $4,214 | $50,566 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $648.28 | $2,809 | $33,710 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Highland) | $40.52 |
| 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 Highland, UT earn a median of $84,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.14% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.90% below the Utah state average of $89,554.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.52/hr = $50,566/year (purchasing power: $51,545).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,276/year (purchasing power: $85,908).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+30.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Highland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Highland grew 18.7% from $32.52/hr (2020) to $38.61/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.52/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 Highland 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 Highland
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists in Highland, working a typical three-day week could yield annual earnings that differ significantly from full-time positions. Part-time hygienists averaging 24 hours a week might expect to earn about $50,500 annually, a stark contrast to the potential income of full-time practitioners. For those in need of more flexible arrangements, per-diem dental hygienist pay in Highland, typically reaching between $40 to $60 an hour through staffing agencies, presents an attractive option—especially in high-cost areas where daily roles can fetch even higher rates. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer; solo practices might pay less than corporate structures like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often provide additional benefits. Some dental hygienists may opt for lower hourly rates within practices that offer comprehensive health insurance, highlighting a trade-off between maximum immediate pay and long-term employment security. For negotiation, understanding the specific pay structures of different employer types in Highland can empower dental hygienists to secure better compensation, especially in a growing field projected to expand at an annual rate of 4.94%.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Highland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Highland?
Are dental hygienists in Highland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Highland?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Highland?
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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 Highland. 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 Highland 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