Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Westerly, RI: $46.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Westerly, RI runs $46.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,618 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Westerly's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,965 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westerly, RI, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $46.45, which reflects a competitive stance in the local job market when compared to the national hourly median of $49.49. This rate can be advantageous for those considering part-time roles or per diem positions, often found in general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics. With an hourly pay range spanning from $39.31 for entry-level positions up to $56.56 for top earners, dental hygienists in Westerly can find a variety of opportunities that cater to different experience levels and work schedules. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they serve as a useful gauge of potential earnings for both new professionals and seasoned veterans in the field.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($85,020) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.31 | $314.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.65 | $333.21 |
| Median (P50) | $46.45 | $371.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.67 | $389.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.56 | $452.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerly
Based on $46.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.45/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerly, RI can expect to earn approximately $96,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,736. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westerly.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerly
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,857.86 | $8,051 | $96,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,114.71 | $4,830 | $57,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $743.14 | $3,220 | $38,643 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Westerly) | $46.45 |
| 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 Westerly, RI earn a median of $96,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,446.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.45/hr = $57,965/year (purchasing power: $57,677).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,609/year (purchasing power: $96,128).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$34.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.45/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Westerly (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Westerly grew 29.3% from $34.23/hr (2020) to $44.26/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.74/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 Westerly 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 Westerly
For a dental hygienist working part-time, a typical schedule of three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, can equate to earnings that might significantly differ from those of full-time counterparts. Annual income for part-time hygienists under this model could approximate $57,840, while full-timers may see earnings around $96,618, highlighting the financial trade-offs involved. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Westerly typically falls between $40 and $60 per hour, varying based on factors such as employer type and patient volume. Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) might offer different pay scales than solo practices or public health clinics. Incentives like health insurance can factor into these decisions, leading some hygienists to opt for lower hourly rates with benefits instead of higher hourly wages without them. When negotiating for hourly pay, it’s beneficial to understand the local job market and be clear about the value you bring to potential employers.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Westerly in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Westerly?
Are dental hygienists in Westerly paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Westerly?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Westerly?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 Westerly. 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 Westerly 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