Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Kankakee, IL: $39.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Kankakee, IL runs $39.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Kankakee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,387 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kankakee, the projected median hourly rate for dental hygienists stands at $39.57, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This difference can impact those seeking part-time employment opportunities, as many hygienists work three days a week in various settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, or public health facilities. This hourly rate reflects a pay range from $30.56 for entry-level positions to as high as $49.10 for experienced practitioners, providing a clear view of what both novice and seasoned dental hygienists can expect in this market. According to 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures present a realistic representation of dental hygienist hourly pay in Kankakee, allowing prospective employees to gauge their potential earnings as they enter or progress through their careers.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.56 | $244.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.38 | $307.01 |
| Median (P50) | $39.57 | $316.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.53 | $380.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.10 | $392.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kankakee
Based on $39.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.57/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kankakee, IL can expect to earn approximately $82,312 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,487. With a cost-of-living index of 96.39 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kankakee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kankakee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,582.91 | $6,859 | $82,312 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $949.75 | $4,116 | $49,387 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.17 | $2,744 | $32,925 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Kankakee) | $39.57 |
| 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 Kankakee, IL earn a median of $82,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.05% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $85,025.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.57/hr = $49,387/year (purchasing power: $51,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,312/year (purchasing power: $85,391).
CoL index: 96.394 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.57/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+19.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Kankakee (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kankakee grew 8.2% from $34.86/hr (2020) to $37.71/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.53/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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee
When considering part-time work, a dental hygienist in Kankakee working three days a week might earn an annual income of approximately $49,477, significantly lower than full-time peers. Meanwhile, per diem dental hygienists often find themselves earning between $40 and $60 per hour through temp agencies. This gives them the flexibility desired in the profession, albeit with the caveat of a lack of benefits. Hourly rates can also vary depending on the type of practice. For instance, solo dental practices might offer lower pay compared to larger group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that often have more structured pay scales and additional incentives. Consequently, some dental hygienists may opt for a lower hourly rate if health insurance and retirement benefits come as part of their compensation package, balancing immediate earnings with long-term security. Effective negotiation for these roles can also hinge on demonstrating expertise and adapting to the variety of expectations across employer types, whether in Kankakee or elsewhere in IL.
More salary data for Kankakee, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Kankakee in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Kankakee?
Are dental hygienists in Kankakee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Kankakee?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Kankakee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Kankakee. 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