Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Altus, OK: $41.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Altus, OK runs $41.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Altus's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altus, Oklahoma, dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $41.71 in 2026. This figure falls below the national median of $49.49 per hour, reflecting local economic factors and demand for dental hygienists. For those considering part-time employment, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a modest income that varies depending on their work setting. Dental hygienists work across diverse environments, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and dental service organizations (DSOs). Entry-level positions might earn approximately $32.83 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn up to $52.00 per hour. Despite the lower hourly rates compared to the national average, the cost of living in Altus is below average, making it feasible for many workers in this field.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($96,002) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.83 | $262.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.61 | $284.85 |
| Median (P50) | $41.71 | $333.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.57 | $348.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.00 | $415.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altus
Based on $41.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.71/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altus, OK can expect to earn approximately $86,764 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,056. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,668.55 | $7,230 | $86,764 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.13 | $4,338 | $52,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.42 | $2,892 | $34,706 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Altus) | $41.71 |
| 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 Altus, OK earn a median of $86,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.20% below the Oklahoma state average of $91,527.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.71/hr = $52,059/year (purchasing power: $58,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,764/year (purchasing power: $97,598).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.71/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Altus (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Altus grew 10.8% from $35.89/hr (2020) to $39.75/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.77/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 Altus 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 Altus
For those seeking part-time roles, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week would take home roughly $51,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Altus may also vary, with some working through temp agencies earning competitive rates between $40-$60 per hour, although higher-paying contracts often exist in metropolitan areas. In Altus, hourly wages can differ markedly among employers, ranging from solo dental practices to larger multi-doctor settings and DSOs, which are increasingly influential in the region. Many dental hygienists in Altus may accept lower hourly rates at group practices that offer health insurance and other benefits rather than opting for jobs that pay more but lack such perks. For those navigating job offers, understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits is crucial. Negotiation should focus on the total compensation package to ensure equitable and sustainable working conditions in the evolving dental hygiene field.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Altus?
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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 Altus. 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 Altus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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