Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Loveland, CO: $52.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Loveland, CO runs $52.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Loveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,548 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Loveland, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for a dental hygienist is $52.52, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate not only reflects the competitive nature of the dental hygiene field but also represents a substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working three days a week, typically 24 hours, the income can provide a livable wage, while per-diem roles in various settings such as general dentistry, pediatric office environments, and public health clinics offer flexibility and competitive pay. The hourly earnings for dental hygienists in Loveland range from $40.37 for entry-level positions to $66.24 for seasoned professionals, demonstrating a robust job market for individuals in this profession.
About the Loveland 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) | $40.37 | $322.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.56 | $356.46 |
| Median (P50) | $52.52 | $420.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.72 | $461.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.24 | $529.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Loveland
Based on $52.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Loveland, CO can expect to earn approximately $109,247 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,027. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Loveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Loveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,100.90 | $9,104 | $109,247 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,260.54 | $5,462 | $65,548 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $840.36 | $3,642 | $43,699 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Loveland) | $52.52 |
| 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 Loveland, CO earn a median of $109,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.11% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 5.40% below the Colorado state average of $115,473.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.52/hr = $65,548/year (purchasing power: $62,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,247/year (purchasing power: $104,045).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+33.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Loveland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Loveland grew 21.2% from $41.28/hr (2020) to $50.05/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.12/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 Loveland 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 Loveland
A part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours a week can realistically take home approximately $68,750 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart, but still a viable income depending on individual circumstances. Many professionals opt for per diem dental hygienist pay in Loveland, especially given the current compensation by temporary agencies aligning closely with hourly rates of $40 to $60. Meanwhile, employment at Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), solo practices, or specialized clinics can greatly impact pay, providing unique trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits such as healthcare. For example, while solo practices may provide a higher hourly rate, benefits tend to be limited compared to larger dental groups. When negotiating hourly rates in Loveland, it’s essential for dental hygienists to consider packages that may include health benefits, retirement options, and working conditions, ensuring a fair assessment of overall compensation in relation to the average dental hygienist hourly rate in CO.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Loveland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Loveland?
Are dental hygienists in Loveland paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Loveland?
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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 Loveland. 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 Loveland 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