Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $39.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Cicero, IL runs $39.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,374 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cicero, the median hourly pay for dental hygienists is projected at $39.56 in 2026, which reflects a clear disparity compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This pay scale is especially relevant for part-time workers who may opt to work around three days a week, as they can expect to earn around $21,000 annually, which can significantly supplement other income sources. For those who operate on a per-diem basis, typical settings include general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Cicero varies, with entry-level positions earning approximately $30.52, while top earners can make as much as $50.13. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections and reflect current trends in the dental care industry.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.52 | $244.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.64 | $269.15 |
| Median (P50) | $39.56 | $316.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.51 | $348.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.13 | $401.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $39.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.56/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $82,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,475. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,582.50 | $6,857 | $82,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $949.50 | $4,114 | $49,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.00 | $2,743 | $32,916 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Cicero) | $39.56 |
| 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 Cicero, IL earn a median of $82,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.06% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $85,018.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.56/hr = $49,374/year (purchasing power: $50,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,290/year (purchasing power: $84,747).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.56/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Cicero (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Cicero grew 7.2% from $35.18/hr (2020) to $37.70/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.52/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 Cicero 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 Cicero
When considering part-time work, a dental hygienist in Cicero working 3 days a week for roughly 24 hours may take home around $21,000 per year instead of a standard full-time income. In contrast, per diem dental hygienist pay in Cicero typically ranges between $30.52 to $50.13 per hour, while some agencies in higher-cost living areas offer tempting rates from $40 to $60 per hour, with even more for travel contracts, though these opportunities are less frequent than those in nursing. Hourly rates often fluctuate according to the type of employer, with solo practices generally paying less than large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which frequently offer benefits like health insurance in exchange for slightly lower pay. This shift in compensation structures has prompted many dental hygienists to weigh their options carefully. Negotiation can also play a significant role; understanding what local market rates are and presenting one's experience and qualifications can significantly impact the offer received. Having clear expectations and being informed about the benefits packages from different employers may lead to better outcomes in these conversations, especially in the evolving dental care landscape in Cicero.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
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 Cicero. 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 Cicero 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