Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $40.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Evanston, IL runs $40.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,723 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $40.64 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $49.49 per hour. This figure is vital for both part-time and per-diem dental hygienists, as it provides a basis for income expectations within various settings, such as general dental practices, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. Those entering the field can expect hourly earnings to start at about $29.83, while experienced hygienists in the highest echelon can earn as much as $53.57. With the nature of dental hygiene work often accommodating various schedules, including those working three days a week or on a per-diem basis, the flexibility in this field greatly benefits those who need to balance other commitments while still earning a reliable income.
About the Evanston 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) | $29.83 | $238.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.43 | $267.47 |
| Median (P50) | $40.64 | $325.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.06 | $368.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.57 | $428.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $40.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.64/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $84,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,772. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,625.73 | $7,045 | $84,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.44 | $4,227 | $50,723 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.29 | $2,818 | $33,815 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Evanston) | $40.64 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $84,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.87% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $85,056.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.64/hr = $50,723/year (purchasing power: $52,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,538/year (purchasing power: $87,063).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.64/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Evanston (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Evanston grew 7.2% from $36.14/hr (2020) to $38.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.65/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
Considering part-time work, a dental hygienist in Evanston working three days a week (24 hours) can realistically expect a net annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts. This translates to around $58,000 per year, while those working full-time could reach nearly $84,546 based on the BLS estimates for 2026. Temp agencies in larger metropolitan areas may offer per diem dental hygienists between $40 to $60 an hour, which varies considerably from what local dental practices typically provide. In Evanston, hourly pay can also differ based on the employer type, with solo practices often unable to match the wages of larger DSOs like Aspen or Heartland Dental, who may offer additional benefits. Consequently, many hygienists may opt for slightly lower hourly rates from these organizations in exchange for job security and benefits like health insurance. Practical tips for negotiating hourly wages include being informed about local rates and bringing evidence of skills and added value that you bring to potential employers.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Evanston?
Are dental hygienists in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Evanston?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Evanston?
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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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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