Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $40.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Gurnee, IL runs $40.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,278 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $40.29, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate reflects a variety of work settings, including general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health mobile clinics. For individuals working part-time, such as those putting in 24 hours a week over three days, this can provide a solid income while offering sufficient flexibility. Entry-level dental hygienists in Gurnee may start earning around $31.25 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can achieve up to $48.59 per hour. These numbers indicate the potential for dental hygienists to secure stable employment, but they also highlight the competitive environment given the variance in compensation across different practice types.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.25 | $250.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.20 | $273.60 |
| Median (P50) | $40.29 | $322.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.07 | $344.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.59 | $388.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee
Based on $40.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.29/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $83,796 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,344. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gurnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.46 | $6,983 | $83,796 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.88 | $4,190 | $50,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.58 | $2,793 | $33,518 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Gurnee) | $40.29 |
| 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 Gurnee, IL earn a median of $83,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.61% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $85,064.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.29/hr = $50,278/year (purchasing power: $51,779).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,796/year (purchasing power: $86,299).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.29/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Gurnee (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gurnee grew 7.2% from $35.82/hr (2020) to $38.39/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.28/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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Earning potential varies significantly based on employment type and work arrangements for dental hygienists in Gurnee. A part-time dental hygienist working three days a week can expect to take home an estimated annual salary that equates to roughly $62,000, which is generally lower than a full-time hygienist's earnings while still providing a viable income. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Gurnee can fluctuate widely based on demand, with temporary positions often paying between $40 and $60 per hour, significantly impacting overall earning power. Factors such as employer type also play a role; while solo practices may offer lower hourly rates due to budget constraints, larger Dental Service Organizations (like Heartland Dental and Pacific Dental) often provide higher salaries and more benefits. Negotiation strategies become essential, especially in a market influenced by the consolidation of practices and varying benefit packages, as some dental hygienists may prioritize higher pay with reduced benefits, while others might choose stability through traditional roles that offer health insurance.
More salary data for Gurnee, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gurnee in 2026?
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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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee 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