Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Malden, MA: $50.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Malden, MA runs $50.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Malden's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Malden, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $50.21, surpassing the national median of $49.49. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general dentistry offices, specialized periodontal practices, and pediatric clinics. For part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, this rate can translate to a stable income, allowing flexibility while contributing effectively to patient care. Entry-level hygienists may start at approximately $37.58 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $64.01 per hour, creating a significant earning potential across a spectrum of experience levels.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.58 | $300.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.84 | $334.72 |
| Median (P50) | $50.21 | $401.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.45 | $443.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.01 | $512.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Malden
Based on $50.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.21/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Malden, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,445 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,257. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Malden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Malden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.55 | $8,704 | $104,445 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.13 | $5,222 | $62,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.42 | $3,481 | $41,778 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Malden) | $50.21 |
| 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 Malden, MA earn a median of $104,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.46% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $104,141.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.21/hr = $62,667/year (purchasing power: $57,757).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,445/year (purchasing power: $96,262).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.21/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Malden (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Malden grew 15.2% from $41.52/hr (2020) to $47.85/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.69/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 Malden 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 Malden
Considering the financial implications of part-time work, a dental hygienist in Malden working just 24 hours a week may take home an annual income around $62,788, in contrast to a full-time hygienist's earnings. Per diem dental hygienists typically enjoy flexibility, earning between $40 and $60 an hour through agencies. In high cost-of-living areas like Malden, offers can exceed this range. Employment types play a vital role in compensation; dental hygienists in multi-doctor practices may find higher hourly rates, while those in public health clinics might accept lower wages in exchange for benefits. Negotiation is critical for hourly workers; highlighting your skills and regional market demand can help secure a pay rate that aligns with your qualifications while considering the trade-offs of guaranteed hours versus higher pay without job security.
More salary data for Malden, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Malden. 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 Malden 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