Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $39.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lexington, SC runs $39.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,344 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,413 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lexington, South Carolina, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $39.59, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate provides a foundation for various types of employment within the dental hygiene sector, with opportunities in general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty offices. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek schedule, tapping into this hourly pay can provide a viable income depending on their availability. For entry-level hygienists, hourly wages may start at around $30.77, while those with substantial experience can earn up to $46.80, reflecting the salary range for top earners in the region. This data offers valuable insight into the financial landscape for dental hygienists in the area, as these hourly payouts shape professional career decisions.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($83,561) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.77 | $246.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.60 | $268.81 |
| Median (P50) | $39.59 | $316.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.99 | $335.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.80 | $374.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $39.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.59/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $82,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,513. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,583.75 | $6,863 | $82,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.25 | $4,118 | $49,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.50 | $2,745 | $32,942 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lexington) | $39.59 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $82,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.01% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $87,137.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.59/hr = $49,413/year (purchasing power: $54,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,355/year (purchasing power: $90,006).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$27.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.59/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lexington (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lexington grew 35.6% from $27.82/hr (2020) to $37.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.55/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
When evaluating earning potential, consider that a dental hygienist working part-time for 24 hours weekly may take home approximately $61,434 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. Additionally, the realm of per-diem dental hygienist pay in Lexington typically provides varying rates around $40-$60 per hour, depending on agency contracts and the nature of work assignments. Limestone conditions reveal a clear difference in pay rates among various employer types; for instance, solo practices, multi-doctor setups, and dental services organizations often present contrasting hourly compensation. While some hygienists may choose lower-paying jobs with benefits, others seek higher hourly wages in settings without those additional perks. Negotiation is key; professionals should articulate their worth clearly, backed by industry research on salaries and the local cost of living, to secure favorable compensation that aligns with their skills and market trends.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lexington?
Are dental hygienists in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lexington?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
Related Pages
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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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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