Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Woburn, MA: $47.62 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Woburn, MA runs $47.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,062 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Woburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,432 per year.

$99,062
Median Annual Salary
$47.62/hr
Hourly Rate
$79,280
Entry Level (P10)
$122,354
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Woburn, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Woburn, MA dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Woburn, Massachusetts, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $47.62 in 2026. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $49.49, suggesting a competitive yet distinct market influenced by local conditions. For part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Woburn, working in a variety of settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal suites, and mobile clinics provides opportunities to balance work and personal commitments. With an hourly range extending from $38.11 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to $58.82 for experienced professionals (90th percentile), practitioners have a pathway to increase their earnings based on experience and expertise. These estimates reflect the annual salary data but translate into a flexible hourly income that appeals to those seeking varying levels of commitment in their roles.

About the Woburn Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$38.11$304.91
Lower Range (P25)$40.24$321.96
Median (P50)$47.62$380.97
Upper Range (P75)$51.75$413.97
Top Earners (P90)$58.82$470.55

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woburn

Based on $47.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Woburn earning $47.62/hr would make approximately $57,146 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $99,053 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$57,146Reduced (32 hr/wk)$76,195Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$99,053

At $47.62/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woburn, MA can expect to earn approximately $99,053 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,146. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woburn.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$380.97
per 8hr shift
$1,904.87
per week
$8,254
per month
$99,053
per year

Schedule Comparison in Woburn

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,904.87$8,254$99,053
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,142.92$4,953$59,432
Per Diem (16 hrs)$761.95$3,302$39,621

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Woburn)$47.62
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Woburn ($99,062) with Massachusetts average ($104,166) and the US national median ($102,946).Woburn$99,062Massachusetts Avg$104,166-4.90%US National$102,946-3.77%

Dental Hygienists in Woburn, MA earn a median of $99,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.77% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,166.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $47.62/hr = $59,432/year (purchasing power: $54,776).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,053/year (purchasing power: $91,293).

CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).

2020 BLS Actual

$39.38/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$45.38/hr

2026 Current Est.

$47.62/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+26.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Woburn (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Woburn. Baseline $39.38/hr in 2025, projected to $49.97/hr by 2027.$37$41$45$48$52202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$39.38$42.19$42.11$45.63$43.84$45.38$47.62$49.97
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$39.38/hrActual
2021$42.19/hrActual
2022$42.11/hrActual
2023$45.63/hrActual
2024$43.84/hrActual
2025$45.38/hrActual
2026(current)$47.62/hrEstimated
2027$49.97/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Woburn grew 15.2% from $39.38/hr (2020) to $45.38/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Woburn

In Woburn, the earning potential for a dental hygienist working 24 hours per week—typical for many part-time positions—offers an annual income that can vary significantly compared to a full-time schedule. A part-time hygienist can realistically expect to take home around $59,310 annually, which is still a commendable figure given local living costs. Per diem and agency work can produce even higher hourly earnings, with some dental hygienists making from $40 to $60 per hour, particularly in high-cost-of-living cities like Boston, where rates may even rise to $60-$85. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type, with larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often providing better pay, sometimes supplemented with benefits, compared to smaller solo practices where compensation may be lower but more predictable. For those considering employment negotiations, factors such as health insurance versus higher pay can weigh heavily on decisions, urging professionals to assess not just income but the comprehensive package offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Woburn in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Woburn is $47.62/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $38.11 at entry level (10th percentile) to $58.82 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.8% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Woburn?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Woburn earns approximately $4,953/month, or $59,432/year at the median hourly rate of $47.62. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Woburn paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Woburn are paid hourly at a median rate of $47.62/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $99,053/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Woburn?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Woburn earns approximately $99,053/year at the median hourly rate of $47.62. This is 3.8% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $122,343/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Woburn?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Woburn sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $58.82/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Woburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Woburn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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