Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $47.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lincoln, NE runs $47.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,877 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Lincoln, NE, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.98, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This rate is significant for part-time workers, who typically work about three days a week in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories and pediatric offices. For those in per diem roles, flexibility is often paramount, allowing workers to choose when and where they accept assignments. On the lower end of the spectrum, entry-level positions might start around $34.11 hourly, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $49.89, offering a robust range depending on expertise and the specific dental setting. These figures stem from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, projected into 2026, providing a reliable foundation for aspiring dental hygienists in the area.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.11 | $272.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.54 | $348.32 |
| Median (P50) | $47.98 | $383.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.31 | $394.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.89 | $399.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $47.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.98/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $99,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,574. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,919.14 | $8,316 | $99,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.49 | $4,990 | $59,877 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.66 | $3,327 | $39,918 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lincoln) | $47.98 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $99,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.90% above the Nebraska state average of $94,238.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.98/hr = $59,877/year (purchasing power: $65,382).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,795/year (purchasing power: $108,970).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.98/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lincoln (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lincoln grew 26.4% from $36.16/hr (2020) to $45.72/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.35/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Focusing on the earning potential of part-time dental hygienists can offer revealing insights into financial viability in Lincoln. Those working 24 hours per week typically take home approximately $53,830 annually, which is a substantial income for part-time engagement, albeit less than what a full-time position would yield. Per diem workers often encounter a broader variety of pay scales, with agency rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour in the Lincoln area. Compared to higher cost-of-living cities where pay can reach $60 to $85, the demand for flexibility brings both advantages and challenges. Also, hourly rates can differ considerably among employer types; a hygienist in a small practice might earn less than one at a Dental Service Organization (DSO) or a specialty office. Many professionals face a trade-off between lower hourly rates for positions that provide benefits like health insurance versus higher pay without those perks. Negotiation strategies can be particularly effective in these discussions; having data on local salaries and understanding the benefits offered by each employer can strengthen a hygiene professional's case significantly.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
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 Lincoln. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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