Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $64.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Fontana, CA runs $64.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,054 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach $64.95 in 2026, showcasing a significant increase compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This higher compensation reflects the local demand for dental professionals and the cost of living in the region. For part-time practitioners working approximately three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings that can support their lifestyle. Per-diem dental hygienists in Fontana can expect to earn between roughly $45.86 at the entry level to $86.21 for highly experienced professionals, as they navigate various clinical settings, from general dentistry offices to more specialized environments like pediatric clinics and periodontal practices.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.86 | $366.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.52 | $420.18 |
| Median (P50) | $64.95 | $519.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.22 | $585.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.21 | $689.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $64.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.95/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,937. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,597.89 | $11,258 | $135,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,558.74 | $6,755 | $81,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,039.16 | $4,503 | $54,036 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Fontana) | $64.95 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $135,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.23% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% above the California state average of $129,897.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.95/hr = $81,054/year (purchasing power: $71,666).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,091/year (purchasing power: $119,443).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$55.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.95/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Fontana (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $55.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fontana grew 12.5% from $55.00/hr (2020) to $61.89/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.16/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours weekly can anticipate earning around $81,794 annually, a figure that many find appealing compared to full-time counterparts. In terms of per diem employment, opportunity levels can vary widely; agencies often pay $40-60 per hour in most metropolitan areas, with higher costs in cities known for elevated living costs. The compensation spectrum also varies depending on the type of employer. Dental Service Organizations, particularly in Fontana, may offer competitive pay packages that include health benefits, drawing some hygienists to opt for jobs with lower hourly wages for the sake of job security and health insurance. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for dental hygienists to clarify job responsibilities and potential benefits, ensuring they weigh immediate financial compensation against long-term incentives, particularly in this evolving professional environment.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fontana in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Fontana?
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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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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