Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pasco, WA: $60.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pasco, WA runs $60.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pasco's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasco, WA, dental hygienists enjoy a competitive hourly wage with a median rate of $60.52 per hour, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. This elevated rate can be particularly advantageous for those working part-time or as per-diem dental hygienists, who typically engage in flexible schedules across various settings, such as general dental practices and public health clinics. For instance, a part-time hygienist working three days a week could benefit from this attractive hourly pay while also managing their work-life balance effectively. The hourly pay range for dental hygienists in Pasco varies considerably from $47.44 for entry-level positions to $77.48 for the highest earners. These figures provide a solid foundation for understanding the potential financial opportunities available in this vital healthcare role.
About the Pasco 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) | $47.44 | $379.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.04 | $416.32 |
| Median (P50) | $60.52 | $484.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.21 | $537.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.48 | $619.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasco
Based on $60.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasco, WA can expect to earn approximately $125,879 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,623. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,420.76 | $10,490 | $125,879 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,452.45 | $6,294 | $75,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $968.30 | $4,196 | $50,352 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pasco) | $60.52 |
| 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 Pasco, WA earn a median of $125,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.29% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $128,985.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.52/hr = $75,528/year (purchasing power: $70,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,879/year (purchasing power: $117,206).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$46.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pasco (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $46.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pasco grew 25.0% from $46.14/hr (2020) to $57.67/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.51/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 Pasco 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 Pasco
When analyzing the financial landscape for dental hygienists in Pasco, considerations regarding part-time versus full-time positions become crucial. A dental hygienist working a 24-hour week could potentially take home a significantly different annual income than those working a full-time schedule, making hourly flexibility a notable factor. Per diem opportunities for dental hygienists are also evolving, with pay rates from temp agencies typically ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, potentially climbing higher in metropolitan areas. Employers in Pasco contribute to the variety of pay structures, as solo practices may offer different hourly rates compared to multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations. Some hygienists may opt for roles with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others prefer the independence of higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiating effectively is essential for maximizing hourly income, and understanding the local market rates can greatly aid in discussions with potential employers in Pasco.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pasco in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Pasco?
Are dental hygienists in Pasco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Pasco?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Pasco?
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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 Pasco. 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 Pasco 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