Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Hazleton, PA: $39.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Hazleton, PA runs $39.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Hazleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a dental hygienist in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 is expected to be $39.33. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $49.49, indicating that dental hygienist hourly pay in Hazleton is about 20.53% lower than the national average. This hourly wage is particularly relevant for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, as well as per-diem positions available in various dental settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialty care offices. Entry-level hygienists can expect to earn approximately $29.51 per hour, while seasoned professionals might reach up to $50.08 per hour, which reflects the tiered pay scale within the profession based on experience and skill levels.
About the Hazleton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($89,037) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.51 | $236.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.05 | $280.40 |
| Median (P50) | $39.33 | $314.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.66 | $349.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.08 | $400.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hazleton
Based on $39.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.33/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hazleton, PA can expect to earn approximately $81,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,198. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hazleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hazleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.26 | $6,817 | $81,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $943.96 | $4,090 | $49,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.30 | $2,727 | $32,724 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Hazleton) | $39.33 |
| 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 Hazleton, PA earn a median of $81,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.53% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.00% below the Pennsylvania state average of $84,346.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.33/hr = $49,086/year (purchasing power: $50,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,810/year (purchasing power: $83,993).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.33/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+21.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Hazleton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hazleton grew 9.9% from $34.09/hr (2020) to $37.48/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.27/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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Analyzing the earning potential for dental hygienists in Hazleton reveals significant opportunities, especially for those considering part-time work at around 24 hours a week. While a full-time dental hygienist can earn around $81,815 annually, part-time hygienists will need to carefully consider their flexibility in hours against annual take-home pay. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Hazleton varies, but many hygienists working in temporary roles may find rates between $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the demand and location. Various employer types affect hourly rates; for instance, solo practices may pay less compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that often offer competitive rates paired with benefits. New graduates may prefer the security of established practices with benefits, while seasoned professionals might opt for flexibility and higher hourly rates in temporary roles. Moreover, understanding how to negotiate hourly pay effectively is essential, especially given the local dynamics of Hazleton’s dental hiring scene, where factors such as experience and specialized skills can significantly influence compensation packages.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
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 Hazleton. 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 Hazleton 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