Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Spearfish, SD: $44.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Spearfish, SD runs $44.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Spearfish's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,966 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spearfish, South Dakota, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $44.04, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $49.49 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days per week, this hourly rate translates to a potential annual income that provides a solid foundation while allowing for work-life balance. Those considering per-diem roles will find opportunities in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and public health clinics, where they can earn a range from $34.19 to $51.82 depending on their experience and the specifics of their contracts. Such variations emphasize the diverse earning potential available to dental hygienists across entry-level to top-earning positions in Spearfish. Given that these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, they set a benchmark for those entering or currently working in this profession.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.19 | $273.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.94 | $319.52 |
| Median (P50) | $44.04 | $352.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.55 | $372.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.82 | $414.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spearfish
Based on $44.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.04/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spearfish, SD can expect to earn approximately $91,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,852. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spearfish.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spearfish
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,761.73 | $7,634 | $91,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,057.04 | $4,581 | $54,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $704.69 | $3,054 | $36,644 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Spearfish) | $44.04 |
| 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 Spearfish, SD earn a median of $91,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $95,518.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.04/hr = $54,966/year (purchasing power: $59,231).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,610/year (purchasing power: $98,718).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.04/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Spearfish (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Spearfish grew 21.0% from $34.69/hr (2020) to $41.97/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.22/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 Spearfish 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 Spearfish
Considering the earning dynamics of dental hygienists in Spearfish, working part-time for three days a week could yield an annual income of roughly $55,000, significantly below the income of full-time hygienists who comfortably meet or exceed $91,602 annually. For those opting for per diem roles, pay rates through temp agencies may range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on local demand and specialty, contrasting with potential earnings in higher-cost cities where hygienists can make upwards of $60 to $85 per hour. Employment type also shapes hourly rates; for instance, dental hygienists in solo practices may experience different pay structures than those in larger group practices or DSOs like Heartland Dental and Aspen. While many opt for positions offering higher hourly pay, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of higher pay against health insurance and job security, often provided by full-time roles. Negotiating effectively based on local market knowledge can lead to better opportunities, making understanding the dental hygienist hourly pay in Spearfish critical for career advancement.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Spearfish in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Spearfish?
Are dental hygienists in Spearfish paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Spearfish?
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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 Spearfish. 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 Spearfish 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