Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Littleton, CO: $52.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Littleton, CO runs $52.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Littleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,849 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Littleton, Colorado, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $52.76, which is significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This favorable hourly rate offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions, enabling professionals to work in a variety of settings, such as general dentistry practices, specialized periodontal suites, pediatric clinics, and public health facilities. For those in temporary or per-diem roles, the hourly rates may vary but typically fall within a range that supports flexible scheduling, making it viable for hygienists to work three days a week or pick up shifts as needed. Entry-level positions may start around $42.10 per hour, whereas top earners can reach up to $66.75, reflecting the diverse earning potential in this field.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($107,733) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.10 | $336.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.67 | $365.36 |
| Median (P50) | $52.76 | $422.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.46 | $467.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.75 | $534.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Littleton
Based on $52.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.76/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Littleton, CO can expect to earn approximately $109,749 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,317. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Littleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Littleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,110.55 | $9,146 | $109,749 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,266.33 | $5,487 | $65,849 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.22 | $3,658 | $43,900 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Littleton) | $52.76 |
| 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 Littleton, CO earn a median of $109,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $115,520.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.76/hr = $65,849/year (purchasing power: $62,714).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,749/year (purchasing power: $104,523).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.76/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Littleton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Littleton grew 23.9% from $40.58/hr (2020) to $50.28/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.37/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 Littleton 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 Littleton
Considering the financial implications, a dental hygienist working part-time at three days per week (approximately 24 hours) can earn an average of around $67,254 annually when calculating actual take-home pay. Conversely, full-time professionals enjoy a more stable income at full-time hours. For those exploring per diem opportunities, pay rates generally target $40-60 per hour, with larger metropolitan areas like San Francisco and New York even commanding higher rates. In Littleton, hourly wages can differ based on the type of employer, such as solo practices versus larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialized offices. Dental hygienists often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with comprehensive health coverage. Aspiring professionals should engage in discussions with potential employers regarding their unique needs, especially as sign-on bonuses become more prevalent at competitive DSOs. Effective negotiation can lead to better terms and more fulfilling career choices in dental hygiene in CO.
More salary data for Littleton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Littleton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Littleton?
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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 Littleton. 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 Littleton 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