Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $41.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Summerville, SC runs $41.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,358 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,220 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summerville, South Carolina, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $41.04, which is significantly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This discrepancy illustrates the unique economic conditions in the region, particularly for part-time dental hygienists who may work in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. For those working three days a week, this rate translates into a gross income that can sustain a comfortable lifestyle in a city with a cost of living index of 91.5, indicating lower living expenses compared to national averages. The hourly rates for dental hygienists in Summerville range from $32.39 for entry-level positions to as high as $54.42 for seasoned professionals, ensuring that most can find a wage that correlates with their experience and expertise.
About the Summerville Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($83,561) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.39 | $259.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.45 | $283.59 |
| Median (P50) | $41.04 | $328.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.57 | $372.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.42 | $435.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $41.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.04/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $85,367 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,250. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,641.68 | $7,114 | $85,367 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.01 | $4,268 | $51,220 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.67 | $2,846 | $34,147 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Summerville) | $41.04 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $85,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.08% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $87,189.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.04/hr = $51,220/year (purchasing power: $55,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,367/year (purchasing power: $93,298).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.04/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Summerville (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Summerville grew 35.6% from $28.84/hr (2020) to $39.11/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.07/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
Examining the earning potential for dental hygienists reveals interesting dynamics, especially for those considering part-time versus full-time work. A dental hygienist working a typical schedule of 24 hours over three days could take home around $51,000 annually, offering a decent income while allowing for work-life balance. Per diem positions, on the other hand, often pay between $40 and $60 per hour, providing attractive options for those seeking temporary work arrangements. In Summerville, hourly wages can also vary by the type of employer, with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and multi-doctor practices potentially offering different rates compared to private solo practices. Many hygienists weigh the benefits of health insurance against the allure of higher hourly wages without benefits. When negotiating, it's wise to consider not just the hourly rate but also the overall package, including benefits, as some employers may offer healthier remuneration options. For professionals interested in securing competitive dental hygienist hourly pay in Summerville, understanding these nuances will be key.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Summerville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Summerville?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Summerville?
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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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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