Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Montpelier, VT: $47.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Montpelier, VT runs $47.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,133 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Montpelier's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,882 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montpelier, Vermont, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $47.18 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate translates well for part-time workers, particularly those seeking to work three days a week, as it offers the flexibility and opportunity for a sustainable income. Per diem positions in settings such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics can further enhance earning potential, allowing dental hygienists to navigate their schedules around other commitments. Entry-level hygienists may start at around $38.88 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can earn up to $56.37 per hour, creating a broad spectrum of opportunities within the profession.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($100,950) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.88 | $311.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.43 | $323.47 |
| Median (P50) | $47.18 | $377.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.41 | $403.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.37 | $450.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montpelier
Based on $47.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.18/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montpelier, VT can expect to earn approximately $98,137 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,617. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montpelier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montpelier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,887.24 | $8,178 | $98,137 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.34 | $4,907 | $58,882 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.90 | $3,271 | $39,255 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Montpelier) | $47.18 |
| 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 Montpelier, VT earn a median of $98,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.90% below the Vermont state average of $106,550.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.18/hr = $58,882/year (purchasing power: $56,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,137/year (purchasing power: $94,818).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$35.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.18/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Montpelier (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Montpelier grew 27.3% from $35.33/hr (2020) to $44.96/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.51/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 Montpelier 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 Montpelier
For those working part-time around 24 hours per week in Montpelier, the financial take-home varies significantly compared to full-time counterparts. A part-time dental hygienist could expect an annual income reflective of their limited hours, without the benefits often found in full-time roles. While temp agencies typically offer per diem dental hygienist pay in Montpelier between $40 and $60 per hour, positions in higher cost-of-living cities like Boston may command even steeper rates. Variations in hourly pay can stem from the type of employer; solo practices may offer different compensation tactics compared to larger groups or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) with structured pay schemes. Dental hygienists sometimes face the decision of accepting a lower hourly rate with benefits against the allure of higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating effectively is vital, and understanding the local job market and expected compensation levels is crucial when discussing pay rates with potential employers in Montpelier.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Montpelier?
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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 Montpelier. 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 Montpelier 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