Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Amherst Town, MA: $49.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Amherst Town, MA runs $49.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,778 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Amherst Town's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,671 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Amherst Town, Massachusetts, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $49.42, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate provides a substantial income for dental hygienists, especially for those working part-time—potentially just three days a week. In typical workplaces such as general dentistry clinics, periodontal specialty suites, and public health settings, hourly wages can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $42.24 and experienced professionals reaching up to $51.03. Such rates allow for an attractive earning potential, making dental hygiene a viable career option for individuals looking to balance work and personal life, particularly in per-diem roles that demand flexibility across various practice settings.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.24 | $337.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.52 | $380.13 |
| Median (P50) | $49.42 | $395.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.61 | $404.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.03 | $408.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst Town
Based on $49.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.42/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst Town, MA can expect to earn approximately $102,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,299. With a cost-of-living index of 100.24 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst Town.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst Town
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,976.65 | $8,565 | $102,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.99 | $5,139 | $61,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.66 | $3,426 | $41,114 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Amherst Town) | $49.42 |
| 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 Amherst Town, MA earn a median of $102,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,132.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.42/hr = $61,671/year (purchasing power: $61,522).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,786/year (purchasing power: $102,537).
CoL index: 100.243 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$37.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.42/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Amherst Town (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Amherst Town grew 27.3% from $37.00/hr (2020) to $47.09/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.86/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 Amherst Town 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 Amherst Town
For those considering part-time positions, working as a dental hygienist three days a week may yield an annual income of approximately $61,000, a favorable option compared to full-time earnings. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Amherst Town typically ranges from $40 to $60 per hour, with travel contracts offering occasional higher rates, although rare. In examining employer types, solo practices and multi-doctor group offices generally provide more stable incomes, while Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may offer various incentives, including sign-on bonuses, that reflect their growing influence in the market. However, many hygienists find themselves making trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower pay with additional perks such as health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, it is advisable to research local pay scales, leverage experience, and be aware of market demand, all crucial for securing the best possible compensation in Amherst Town's dynamic dental industry.
More salary data for Amherst Town, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Amherst Town in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Amherst Town?
Are dental hygienists in Amherst Town paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst Town?
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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 Amherst Town. 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, 2-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