Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $40.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Sumter, SC runs $40.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,159 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,089 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, the dental hygienist hourly pay reaches a median of $40.94, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This difference may impact part-time workers and per-diem dental hygienists, particularly those considering positions in various settings such as general dentistry, pediatric practices, or public health clinics. Entry-level hygienists can expect to earn around $32.67 per hour, while the top earners in the region can make up to $47.34 per hour, reflecting a substantial range that accommodates different experiences and practice environments. These figures are derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, demonstrating the evolving landscape of dental hygiene compensation in Sumter, SC.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.67 | $261.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.48 | $315.83 |
| Median (P50) | $40.94 | $327.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.49 | $355.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.34 | $378.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $40.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.94/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $85,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,125. With a cost-of-living index of 88.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,637.48 | $7,096 | $85,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $982.49 | $4,257 | $51,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.99 | $2,838 | $34,060 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Sumter) | $40.94 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $85,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.28% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.30% below the South Carolina state average of $87,164.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.94/hr = $51,089/year (purchasing power: $58,043).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,149/year (purchasing power: $96,738).
CoL index: 88.02 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.94/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Sumter (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Sumter grew 18.2% from $33.01/hr (2020) to $39.01/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.96/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
For dental hygienists working part-time in Sumter, the potential earnings can vary significantly. A typical three-day workweek, totaling 24 hours, would yield around $50,000 annually before taxes, in contrast to full-time professionals who can expect higher income. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Sumter includes opportunities through temp agencies, often starting at $40 per hour and occasionally reaching $60 depending on location and demand. Employment settings greatly influence hourly rates, with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) typically offering competitive benefits to attract talent, while solo practices may provide flexibility but limited compensation. Many practitioners balance lower hourly pay with the security of health benefits from full-time roles, creating a situation where personal priorities shape financial decisions. Negotiating pay effectively in Sumter requires an understanding of local market rates and the financial implications of different employment models.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Sumter in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Sumter?
Are dental hygienists in Sumter paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Sumter?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Sumter?
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 Sumter. 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