Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $61.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lakewood, WA runs $61.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,483 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,484 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Washington, dental hygienists see an impressive median hourly pay of $61.28, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This favorable wage allows for flexible employment options, making it appealing for those seeking part-time or per-diem work. For example, a hygienist working three days a week could expect to earn around $73,536 annually, while per-diem positions in settings such as general dental offices, pediatric clinics, or public health mobile clinics could offer varying rates based on demand and employer type. In Lakewood, wages range from $44.36 at the entry-level (P10) to $80.15 for those at the top of their field (P90), providing a broad spectrum of opportunities for both new and experienced professionals.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.36 | $354.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.61 | $428.91 |
| Median (P50) | $61.28 | $490.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.88 | $551.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.15 | $641.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $61.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.28/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $127,473 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,542. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,451.40 | $10,623 | $127,473 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,470.84 | $6,374 | $76,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $980.56 | $4,249 | $50,989 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lakewood) | $61.28 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $127,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.83% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $129,032.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.28/hr = $76,484/year (purchasing power: $71,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,473/year (purchasing power: $118,690).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$46.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.28/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lakewood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $46.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lakewood grew 25.0% from $46.72/hr (2020) to $58.40/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.31/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Exploring the part-time potential of a dental hygienist in Lakewood reveals some interesting contrasts with full-time positions. A hygienist working a typical three-day week might be able to take home around $73,536 annually, which is quite attractive but still reflects a substantial difference compared to a full-time salary. Per diem roles also play a critical part in shaping earnings, often featuring rates between $40 and $60 per hour in various metropolitan areas. The shift toward Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may influence pay structures, as these entities frequently offer higher compensation to attract new grads and fill vacancies. Employment settings can affect hourly rates, with solo practices typically offering less compared to group practices and larger DSOs. It’s essential for dental hygienists in Lakewood to weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay against benefits, as some may choose lower-paying positions with health insurance over higher hourly rates without such perks. When negotiating pay, professionals should do extensive research on local pay scales and consider articulating their clinical skills and certifications, which can elevate their bargaining power significantly.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lakewood?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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