Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $46.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $46.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,162 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay is $46.60, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This compensation allows for an attractive income potential for dental hygienists, whether they are engaging in part-time or per diem work across various clinical settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal suites, and public health clinics. With reported wages ranging from $35.57 for entry-level positions at the 10th percentile to $60.66 for established professionals at the 90th percentile, individuals can tailor their work schedules to fit their lifestyle needs. The hourly rates presented here are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating a promising financial outlook for dental hygienists in Murfreesboro.
About the Murfreesboro Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($83,902) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.57 | $284.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.49 | $315.91 |
| Median (P50) | $46.60 | $372.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.04 | $424.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.66 | $485.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $46.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.60/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $96,936 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,925. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,864.15 | $8,078 | $96,936 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,118.49 | $4,847 | $58,162 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $745.66 | $3,231 | $38,774 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Murfreesboro) | $46.60 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $96,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.85% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 12.60% above the Tennessee state average of $86,081.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.60/hr = $58,162/year (purchasing power: $63,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,936/year (purchasing power: $105,595).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.60/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+55.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Murfreesboro (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Murfreesboro grew 41.0% from $31.49/hr (2020) to $44.41/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.91/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
The financial landscape for dental hygienists working part-time, defined here as three days a week or approximately 24 hours per week, can be considerable. These professionals can expect to earn around $57,664 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues. Furthermore, per diem dental hygienists in Murfreesboro may see rates between $40-$60 per hour when working through agencies, which can be an appealing option for those seeking flexibility or varied experiences. Those employed by solo practices may find their pay differs slightly from those in multi-doctor settings or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), where structured benefits may offset higher hourly wages. Consequently, many hygienists find themselves weighing the advantages of pay against job security and healthcare benefits in their negotiations. For those entering the field, focusing on building experience and reaching out to local dentists can provide valuable leverage during salary discussions.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Murfreesboro?
Are dental hygienists in Murfreesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Murfreesboro?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Murfreesboro?
Related Pages
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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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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