Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $62.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Modesto, CA runs $62.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,016 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, the median hourly pay for dental hygienists stands at $62.51, notably surpassing the national average of $49.49. This advantageous rate reflects the region's demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialized periodontal suites. For part-time and per-diem dental hygienists, this translates into substantial earnings even with reduced hours—working three days a week typically allows them to command a good income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Entry-level dental hygienists in Modesto can expect to earn around $52.19 hourly, while top earners may receive up to $67.42, allowing for a range of compensation reflective of experience and specialization. This hourly data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable snapshot of the current job market.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52.19 | $417.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.31 | $434.45 |
| Median (P50) | $62.51 | $500.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.65 | $517.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.42 | $539.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $62.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.51/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,027 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,015. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,500.51 | $10,836 | $130,027 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,500.31 | $6,501 | $78,016 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,000.20 | $4,334 | $52,011 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Modesto) | $62.51 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $130,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.31% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.10% above the California state average of $129,901.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.51/hr = $78,016/year (purchasing power: $74,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,027/year (purchasing power: $124,896).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$49.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.51/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Modesto (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $49.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Modesto grew 20.9% from $49.27/hr (2020) to $59.57/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.60/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
For a dental hygienist working part-time, committing to 24 hours a week can result in an impressive annual income, although it falls short of what full-time colleagues earn. By averaging their hours, a dental hygienist in this arrangement may take home over $78,000 annually, which remains a lucrative potential. In Modesto, per diem dental hygienist pay can also vary significantly, with agency positions offering rates typically between $40 and $60 per hour, compared to the higher-end hourly figures found in solo and group practices, and particularly within larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). These work environments may present benefits such as health insurance, which can be a vital consideration for many professionals, making a trade-off between slightly lower hourly rates and job security a common topic among dental hygienists. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires understanding the local market and knowing common rates in various employment settings, so professionals should be well-informed when discussing compensation to align their needs with prevailing opportunities in Modesto.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Modesto?
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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 Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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