Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $56.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Hilo, HI runs $56.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,922 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the median hourly pay for dental hygienists is projected to be $56.03 in 2026, reflecting a 13.21% increase over the national median of $49.49 per hour. This competitive rate offers attractive earning potential, especially for part-time workers typically clocking in three days a week, which equates to around 24 hours. Per-diem dental hygienist pay in Hilo aligns with this trend, with varying opportunities across different work settings such as general dentistry operatory, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics. The hourly earnings range for dental hygienists in the area varies dramatically from $44.60 at the lower end (P10) to approximately $70.77 for the highest earners (P90), showcasing a range of opportunities based on experience, specialty, and practice type.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($96,623) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.60 | $356.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.42 | $387.35 |
| Median (P50) | $56.03 | $448.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.01 | $496.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.77 | $566.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $56.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.03/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $116,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,233. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,241.10 | $9,711 | $116,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,344.66 | $5,827 | $69,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $896.44 | $3,885 | $46,615 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Hilo) | $56.03 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $116,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $122,805.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.03/hr = $69,922/year (purchasing power: $58,610).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,537/year (purchasing power: $97,684).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$38.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.03/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Hilo (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hilo grew 38.1% from $38.65/hr (2020) to $53.39/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.80/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
Considering a part-time dental hygienist who works 24 hours a week, the annual income can translate to substantial earnings, though it typically yields less security compared to full-time employment. For instance, a part-time RDH roughly takes home around $69,679 annually. Meanwhile, those working per diem or through temp agencies often make between $40 to $60 an hour; however, in higher cost-of-living metropolitan areas, rates can spike to $60-$85 an hour. The compensation structure also varies by workplace, with solo practices frequently offering lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits compared to larger Dental Service Organizations, which might provide higher pay but less job security. When negotiating hourly rates, dental hygienists in Hilo should consider discussing benefits packages alongside base pay, weighing health insurance options versus higher pay without benefits, to determine what aligns best with their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Hilo?
Are dental hygienists in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Hilo?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Hilo?
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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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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