Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Framingham, MA: $50.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Framingham, MA runs $50.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Framingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,614 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected hourly rate of $50.17 for dental hygienists in Framingham, Massachusetts, the pay is slightly above the national median of $49.49. This competitive rate allows for lucrative opportunities whether one is seeking full-time employment in traditional settings like general dentistry or pursuing part-time work in specialty areas such as pediatric, periodontal, or mobile public health clinics. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $37.47 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $63.74. Given that these estimates reflect 2026 projections, they offer valuable insights into the potential wages for both permanent and per-diem dental hygienists within the region.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.47 | $299.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.75 | $333.96 |
| Median (P50) | $50.17 | $401.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.42 | $443.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.74 | $509.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Framingham
Based on $50.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.17/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Framingham, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,206. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Framingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Framingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,006.87 | $8,696 | $104,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,204.12 | $5,218 | $62,614 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $802.75 | $3,479 | $41,743 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Framingham) | $50.17 |
| 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 Framingham, MA earn a median of $104,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.38% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $104,155.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.17/hr = $62,614/year (purchasing power: $57,709).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,357/year (purchasing power: $96,182).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.17/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Framingham (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Framingham grew 15.2% from $41.49/hr (2020) to $47.81/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.65/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 Framingham 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 Framingham
When considering part-time employment—typically around three days per week or 24 hours—dental hygienists in Framingham can take home an attractive income compared to full-time work. For instance, a part-time hygienist might earn around $61,250 annually, which provides substantial flexibility while still achieving strong pay. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Framingham can vary widely, particularly in high-cost-of-living cities, with some agencies offering rates between $40 to $60 per hour. However, organizations like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may adjust pay structures to include benefits, which can be a trade-off for hygienists valuing health insurance and stability. Negotiation is key in this market; understanding local pay standards, and being prepared to discuss compensation relative to experience, can significantly impact salary negotiations. The employment landscape is shifting, but with the right strategies, dental hygienists can effectively maximize their hourly pay in various settings across MA.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Framingham in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Framingham?
Are dental hygienists in Framingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Framingham?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Framingham?
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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 Framingham. 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 Framingham 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