Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Alexandria, LA: $40.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Alexandria, LA runs $40.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,298 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,579 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Alexandria, Louisiana, the projected median dental hygienist hourly pay is $40.53, which is notably below the national median of $49.49. This discrepancy highlights the local economic landscape, where part-time and per-diem dental hygienists might find themselves earning a relatively modest income compared to their counterparts in higher cost areas. Working three days a week could yield substantial part-time income, especially in typical environments like general dentistry offices or public health clinics. The hourly pay for dental hygienists in Alexandria ranges from $24.25 for entry-level positions to $47.95 for those at the top of their profession. According to the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, these figures shed light on the financial prospects for dental hygienists in this region.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.25 | $194.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.48 | $307.85 |
| Median (P50) | $40.53 | $324.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.45 | $355.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.95 | $383.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $40.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, LA can expect to earn approximately $84,298 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,633. With a cost-of-living index of 85.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,621.11 | $7,025 | $84,298 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $972.67 | $4,215 | $50,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $648.45 | $2,810 | $33,719 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Alexandria) | $40.53 |
| 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 Alexandria, LA earn a median of $84,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.11% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.40% below the Louisiana state average of $86,371.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.53/hr = $50,579/year (purchasing power: $59,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,298/year (purchasing power: $98,380).
CoL index: 85.686 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+25.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Alexandria (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Alexandria grew 13.7% from $33.96/hr (2020) to $38.62/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.53/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Considering the earning potential of a dental hygienist in Alexandria, those working part-time for 24 hours a week can expect a distinct income level compared to full-time colleagues. A consistent part-time schedule could result in an annual take-home of approximately $50,450, offering a balance for those who may prioritize flexibility over a full-time commitment. For those seeking per diem dental hygienist pay in Alexandria, hourly rates tend to fluctuate significantly, with temp agencies often offering $40 to $60 per hour. This higher pay in metropolitan areas reflects the intense demand for skilled professionals. Additionally, hourly rates can vary widely across different employers, including solo practices and multi-doctor groups, impacting overall compensation. While some dental hygienists accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others negotiate for higher pay in environments devoid of such benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help professionals strategize their salary negotiations effectively in Alexandria.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Alexandria. 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