Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $40.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Waukee, IA runs $40.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, dental hygienists command a median hourly pay of $40.16, which falls short compared to the national hourly median of $49.49. This discrepancy reflects the localized economic factors and cost of living adjustments in the area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a viable income while allowing flexibility. Many hygienists find positions in a range of settings including general dental practices, pediatric offices, and periodontic clinics, with hourly rates typically spanning from $32.10 at entry level to as much as $47.09 for top earners. Understanding this structure can help dental hygiene professionals in Waukee make informed decisions whether they pursue full-time roles or opt for part-time and per-diem opportunities, a growing trend in specialized practices.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($85,185) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.10 | $256.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.74 | $277.88 |
| Median (P50) | $40.16 | $321.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.35 | $338.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.09 | $376.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $40.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.16/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $83,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,193. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,606.42 | $6,961 | $83,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.85 | $4,177 | $50,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.57 | $2,784 | $33,414 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Waukee) | $40.16 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $83,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.85% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $87,296.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.16/hr = $50,120/year (purchasing power: $55,443).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,534/year (purchasing power: $92,405).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.16/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Waukee (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waukee grew 13.0% from $33.88/hr (2020) to $38.27/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.14/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
Analyzing the earning potential for those in part-time roles reveals interesting dynamics in Waukee. A dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could realistically bring home approximately $50,000 annually, significantly influencing their lifestyle and flexibility compared to their full-time counterparts. For those considering per-diem roles, it is common for dental temp agencies to offer hourly rates ranging from $40 to $60, which can be quite favorable, especially in higher-cost regions. However, the varied pay across employer types illustrates the contrast in opportunities; solo practices often pay less than multi-doctor groups or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which may offer additional benefits. This fundamental trade-off between hourly rate and comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance, remains a crucial factor in determining job satisfaction and financial decision-making for dental hygienists. To negotiate better pay, professionals should understand the local job market dynamics and leverage their clinical skills and certifications based on organizations such as the ADA and state dental boards.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waukee in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Waukee?
Are dental hygienists in Waukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Waukee?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukee?
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Career Resources
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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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