Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Leominster, MA: $47.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Leominster, MA runs $47.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Leominster's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leominster, Massachusetts, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $47.52, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49 for the same profession. This hourly pay reflects the dynamics of various employment settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices. For part-time hygienists working three days a week, or through per diem positions, this rate translates to a potential income that can certainly support a comfortable lifestyle, but variations exist based on experience and specific practice settings. Entry-level professionals might start at around $37.79 per hour, while experienced practitioners could command up to $58.33 per hour. Such figures are crucial for those considering careers in dental hygiene in Leominster, especially as they evaluate options at local dental practices or within larger organizations like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs).
About the Leominster 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) | $37.79 | $302.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.01 | $320.11 |
| Median (P50) | $47.52 | $380.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.52 | $412.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.33 | $466.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leominster
Based on $47.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leominster, MA can expect to earn approximately $98,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,020. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Leominster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leominster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.67 | $8,236 | $98,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.40 | $4,942 | $59,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.27 | $3,295 | $39,534 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Leominster) | $47.52 |
| 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 Leominster, MA earn a median of $98,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.10% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,139.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.52/hr = $59,301/year (purchasing power: $54,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,835/year (purchasing power: $91,092).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$39.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Leominster (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Leominster grew 14.1% from $39.69/hr (2020) to $45.28/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.86/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 Leominster 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 Leominster
Considering the earning potential for part-time dental hygienists in Leominster, those working just three days a week (approximately 24 hours) may see annual earnings significantly lower than full-time counterparts. While full-time hygienists can enjoy the stability of a steady paycheck, some choose per diem roles where dental hygienist hourly pay in Leominster can range from $40 to $60, resembling higher earnings more commonly associated with other metropolitan areas. However, trends indicate that many prefer agency work or temporary roles for flexibility, even if they yield inconsistent incomes. Different employer types impact hourly rates as well; practices like pediatric specialty offices or DSOs could offer competitive wages with benefits. Those aiming for employment must carefully weigh the advantages of higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. Negotiating salary effectively, armed with market data and an understanding of local hiring trends, can make a significant difference in securing optimal hourly compensation.
More salary data for Leominster, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Leominster in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Leominster?
Are dental hygienists in Leominster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Leominster?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Leominster?
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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 Leominster. 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 Leominster 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