Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Eugene, OR: $53.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Eugene, OR runs $53.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,866 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Eugene's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.6, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,120 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eugene, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists is $53.78, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $49.49. This elevated hourly rate offers significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem dental hygienists. For those working a standard three-day week, often in settings such as general dentistry operatories and periodontal specialty suites, this compensation allows for a comfortable living while also providing flexibility. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Eugene varies as well, with starting wages around $53.30 for entry-level positions and skilled professionals earning up to $62.60 per hour, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53.30 | $426.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.57 | $428.57 |
| Median (P50) | $53.78 | $430.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.89 | $487.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.60 | $500.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eugene
Based on $53.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.78/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eugene, OR can expect to earn approximately $111,866 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,538. With a cost-of-living index of 101.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Eugene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eugene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,151.27 | $9,322 | $111,866 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,290.76 | $5,593 | $67,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.51 | $3,729 | $44,746 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Eugene) | $53.78 |
| 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 Eugene, OR earn a median of $111,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.66% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% below the Oregon state average of $121,067.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.78/hr = $67,120/year (purchasing power: $66,083).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,866/year (purchasing power: $110,139).
CoL index: 101.568 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$38.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.78/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Eugene (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Eugene grew 32.5% from $38.68/hr (2020) to $51.25/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.44/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 Eugene 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 Eugene
Looking at the earning potential for dental hygienists in Eugene, those who work part-time at 24 hours per week can take home a substantial amount annually, although it may fall short of full-time earnings. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Eugene typically falls between $40 to $60 per hour, which remains competitive compared to other metropolitan areas. However, dental hygienists within various employer types—ranging from solo practices to Dental Service Organizations—often see different compensation structures, which can affect their overall take-home pay. While some hygienists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, this trade-off is a key factor influencing their career decisions. For those looking to negotiate effectively, understanding the local market and current compensation trends is essential to ensure they receive fair hourly wages in Eugene's dynamic dental environment.
More salary data for Eugene, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Eugene in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Eugene?
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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 Eugene. 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