Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Kahului, HI: $52.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Kahului, HI runs $52.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Kahului's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.4, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,535 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Kahului offers a competitive dental hygienist hourly pay at $52.51, which is notably above the national median of $49.49. This differential highlights the attractive employment landscape for dental hygienists in HI, where part-time and per-diem opportunities are significant. For those working three days a week or seeking to provide services on a per-diem basis, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, particularly in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. The hourly pay range in Kahului varies from $48.81 for entry-level positions to $60.97 for top earners, reflecting the robust demand and increasing growth expected in the dental hygiene field, according to data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.81 | $390.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.08 | $400.62 |
| Median (P50) | $52.51 | $420.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.38 | $427.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.97 | $487.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kahului
Based on $52.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.51/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kahului, HI can expect to earn approximately $109,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,014. With a cost-of-living index of 109.39 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kahului.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kahului
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,100.48 | $9,102 | $109,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,260.29 | $5,461 | $65,535 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $840.19 | $3,641 | $43,690 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Kahului) | $52.51 |
| 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 Kahului, HI earn a median of $109,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.10% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 11.10% below the Hawaii state average of $122,859.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.51/hr = $65,535/year (purchasing power: $59,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,225/year (purchasing power: $99,846).
CoL index: 109.393 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$38.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.51/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Kahului (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kahului grew 30.0% from $38.50/hr (2020) to $50.04/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.11/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 Kahului 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 Kahului
For dental hygienists considering part-time work in Kahului, the financial landscape can be very appealing. A hygienist working 24 hours per week can take home a sizable income, making it possible to maintain a balanced work-life schedule while still earning an attractive hourly wage. In addition to traditional employment, per diem dental hygienist pay in Kahului can be lucrative, with agencies often offering rates between $40 to $60 per hour. The hourly rates experienced by dental hygienists vary significantly depending on the employer type; those employed by a DSO might receive different compensation packages compared to solo practices or specialized clinics. While some hygienists might accept lower hourly rates for positions that come with health benefits, others may opt for higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively, especially in a high-cost living area like Kahului, could significantly influence an RDH's overall satisfaction and financial well-being.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kahului in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Kahului?
Are dental hygienists in Kahului paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Kahului?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Kahului?
Related Pages
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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 Kahului. 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