Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $40.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Gallatin, TN runs $40.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallatin, Tennessee, the projected median dental hygienist hourly pay in 2026 is estimated at $40.12. This figure falls below the national median of $49.49, indicating a competitive local market for dental hygienists. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $31,000 annually, providing a viable option for those seeking flexibility. The hourly pay range within Gallatin varies significantly, from around $30.04 for entry-level positions (P10) to about $51.01 for top earners (P90). Per-diem dental hygienist pay in Gallatin is also a consideration, particularly for those operating in different settings such as general dentistry offices, specialty suites, or public health clinics, allowing flexibility and the potential for varied earnings based on demand.
About the Gallatin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($83,902) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.04 | $240.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.71 | $285.69 |
| Median (P50) | $40.12 | $320.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.48 | $355.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.01 | $408.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $40.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.12/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $83,447 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,142. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,604.74 | $6,954 | $83,447 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $962.85 | $4,172 | $50,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.90 | $2,782 | $33,379 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Gallatin) | $40.12 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $83,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.94% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $86,025.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.12/hr = $50,068/year (purchasing power: $54,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,447/year (purchasing power: $90,900).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$30.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.12/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Gallatin (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gallatin grew 24.2% from $30.78/hr (2020) to $38.23/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.10/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
Exploring the income potential for dental hygienists in Gallatin requires looking closely at part-time options and temporary roles. For a hygienist working 24 hours a week, annual earnings roughly equate to $31,000, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles, often filled through agencies, can yield higher hourly rates, typically ranging from $40 to $60, depending on the location and urgency of the position; however, these roles are less common compared to permanent placements. Hourly rates can vary by employer type; for instance, those working in dental service organizations (DSOs) may find more structured pay scales, while private practices might offer more negotiation flexibility but potentially lower overall pay. Dental hygienists in Gallatin sometimes face the decision of opting for higher hourly pay without benefits versus a more stable position with insurance and other perks. In negotiating rates, it’s advantageous to highlight one’s skills and flexibility, especially in an evolving market influenced by new practice models and trends.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gallatin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Gallatin?
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How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Gallatin?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Gallatin?
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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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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