Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $68.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bellevue, WA runs $68.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Washington, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 stands at an impressive $68.14, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This gives both part-time professionals and per-diem dental hygienists attractive earning potential, especially if working in more specialized settings like pediatric practices or periodontal suites. For dental hygienists typically working three days a week, or in per-diem roles across varied environments—from general dentistry to public health mobile clinics—this hourly rate represents a substantial income that can easily exceed standard expectations. Furthermore, Bellevue’s unemployment areas lead to an hourly pay range from $49.33 for entry-level hygienists to an impressive $92.52 for those at the top of their earning potential, reflecting a robust demand for skilled practitioners in this high-cost-of-living region.
About the Bellevue 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) | $49.33 | $394.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.92 | $447.38 |
| Median (P50) | $68.14 | $545.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.69 | $605.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.52 | $740.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $68.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.14/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $141,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,765. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,725.50 | $11,811 | $141,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,635.30 | $7,086 | $85,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,090.20 | $4,724 | $56,690 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bellevue) | $68.14 |
| 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 Bellevue, WA earn a median of $141,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.67% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 9.80% above the Washington state average of $129,073.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.14/hr = $85,036/year (purchasing power: $79,177).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,726/year (purchasing power: $131,961).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$48.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.14/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+48.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bellevue (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $48.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bellevue grew 34.6% from $48.23/hr (2020) to $64.93/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.50/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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue
For dental hygienists considering part-time employment, working 24 hours a week could result in a yearly take-home income considerably less than full-time counterparts, though the flexibility might be appealing to many. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Bellevue varies based on the employer type, with local practices, DSOs, and specialized clinics offering diverse compensation structures. While temp agencies in other metropolitan areas might pay $40-60 per hour, those working in Bellevue may negotiate higher rates due to the local cost of living and competition among dental service organizations. Some hygienists forgo higher hourly wages in favor of positions that include health benefits, creating a balance between income and job security. For those seeking to maximize their hourly pay, understanding the intricacies of negotiating compensation related to hours worked, employer type, and benefits can be crucial, particularly in a thriving market like Bellevue.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bellevue in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bellevue?
Are dental hygienists in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Bellevue?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Bellevue?
Related Pages
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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 Bellevue. 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 Bellevue 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