Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Gresham, OR: $59.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Gresham, OR runs $59.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,837 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Gresham's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gresham, Oregon, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $59.53, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive pay rate enables both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem workers to take advantage of lucrative opportunities in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. With an hourly range from $43.59 for entry-level positions to $75.01 for experienced practitioners, dental hygienists in Gresham can expect to earn a salary commensurate with their skills and experience as well provide crucial services to their communities. These hourly figures are derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the demand for dental hygiene services in the area.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($116,344) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.59 | $348.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.09 | $392.73 |
| Median (P50) | $59.53 | $476.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.10 | $520.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.01 | $600.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gresham
Based on $59.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gresham, OR can expect to earn approximately $123,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,439. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gresham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gresham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,381.30 | $10,319 | $123,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,428.78 | $6,191 | $74,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $952.52 | $4,128 | $49,531 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Gresham) | $59.53 |
| 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 Gresham, OR earn a median of $123,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.29% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.30% above the Oregon state average of $121,052.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.53/hr = $74,297/year (purchasing power: $72,414).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,828/year (purchasing power: $120,690).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+45.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Gresham (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gresham grew 31.8% from $43.03/hr (2020) to $56.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.47/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 Gresham 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 Gresham
For those considering part-time opportunities, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $74,088 annually, providing a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. Meanwhile, the per diem or locum tenens options can yield varying results, with agency rates typically ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, while high-cost living areas may afford contracts at $60 to $85 hourly. Employers in Gresham present differing pay rates; solo practices may offer less competitive hourly rates compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland or Aspen, which often include bonuses for new hires. While some dental hygienists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, others may prioritize higher wages without benefits. Negotiating salary and benefits can be strategic in this regional market, allowing professionals to assess their personal financial goals against available opportunities in Gresham.
More salary data for Gresham, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gresham in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Gresham?
Are dental hygienists in Gresham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Gresham?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Gresham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Gresham. 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 Gresham 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