Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $39.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in La Vergne, TN runs $39.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, TN, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $39.51, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49 per hour. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to approximately $630 a week based on a typical schedule, yielding about $32,760 annually. Such hourly earnings also impact per-diem dental hygienists in the area, who may earn rates between $31.87 and $49.09, depending on experience and employment settings, like general dentistry or specialized practices. With an hourly range that reflects entry-level positions starting at the 10th percentile of $31.87 to experienced professionals reaching up to $49.09 in La Vergne, it is essential to consider how these figures relate to living costs, which are notably lower than the national average, allowing for a modest yet manageable lifestyle.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($83,902) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.87 | $254.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.45 | $275.61 |
| Median (P50) | $39.51 | $316.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.11 | $344.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.09 | $392.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $39.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.51/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $82,181 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,412. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,580.40 | $6,848 | $82,181 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.24 | $4,109 | $49,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.16 | $2,739 | $32,872 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (La Vergne) | $39.51 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $82,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.16% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $86,062.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.51/hr = $49,308/year (purchasing power: $53,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,181/year (purchasing power: $89,521).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$30.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.51/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in La Vergne (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in La Vergne grew 24.2% from $30.32/hr (2020) to $37.65/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.46/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
Full-time dental hygienists working in La Vergne could see marked differences in their take-home earnings compared to part-time and per-diem options. For example, a hygienist choosing to work 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could earn around $62,850 annually if taking advantage of full-time positions. However, per-diem or agency roles can offer enticing flexibility and higher hourly wages, particularly in markets where RDHs earn anywhere from $40 to $60 per hour. While La Vergne may not compete with high-cost areas in cities like San Francisco or New York for per diem dental hygienist pay, the local market still presents unique opportunities. Typically, dental hygienists in La Vergne can expect varying compensation based on their employment in solo practices, multi-doctor setups, or DSO chains. While some professionals may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, the trade-off often involves stability offered by positions that include health coverage. Negotiating pay can also be easier in La Vergne's less competitive market; understanding local trends and the value of benefits can strengthen a hygienist's position when discussing contracts with potential employers.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in La Vergne in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in La Vergne?
Are dental hygienists in La Vergne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in La Vergne?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in La Vergne?
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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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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