Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Shoreline, WA: $62.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Shoreline, WA runs $62.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Shoreline's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,649 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreline, WA, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists in 2026 stands at $62.22, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This elevated hourly rate presents appealing options for both part-time hygienists and those pursuing per-diem work in various settings, including general dentistry and specialty practices. Typical part-time schedules of three days a week would allow dental hygienists to take home considerable earnings, while per-diem workers can capitalize on flexible shifts. The hourly pay scale ranges from $46.54 at the entry-level (P10) to $79.29 for top earners (P90), illustrating how experience and specialization impact compensation. Such competitive rates are particularly relevant in a state where the cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 107.4, enhancing the financial viability of dental hygiene careers in the area.
About the Shoreline Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.54 | $372.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.82 | $414.55 |
| Median (P50) | $62.22 | $497.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.68 | $549.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.29 | $634.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shoreline
Based on $62.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.22/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shoreline, WA can expect to earn approximately $129,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,663. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shoreline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shoreline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,488.76 | $10,785 | $129,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,493.25 | $6,471 | $77,649 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $995.50 | $4,314 | $51,766 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Shoreline) | $62.22 |
| 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 Shoreline, WA earn a median of $129,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.71% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $129,027.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.22/hr = $77,649/year (purchasing power: $72,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,415/year (purchasing power: $120,498).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$47.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.22/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Shoreline (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $47.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Shoreline grew 25.0% from $47.43/hr (2020) to $59.29/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.29/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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline
When examining the earning potential for dental hygienists working part-time in Shoreline, those on a schedule of 24 hours per week can still achieve substantial annual take-home income, contrasting with the financial picture for full-time employees. For instance, per diem dental hygienists generally earn between $40 and $60 per hour through temp agencies, but those operating in high-cost living metropolitan areas may command rates up to $85 per hour. Within Shoreline, hourly compensation varies based on employer type, such as solo practices, multi-doctor groups, and Dental Service Organizations, which may offer competitive salaries but require negotiations concerning health benefits. Many professionals must weigh higher hourly compensation against the security of health insurance provided by some employers. Practical negotiation insights include researching average dental hygienist hourly rates in WA, understanding individual worth based on experience, and clearly communicating compensation expectations during interviews or contract discussions.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Shoreline in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Shoreline?
Are dental hygienists in Shoreline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Shoreline?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Shoreline?
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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 Shoreline. 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 Shoreline 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