Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Caldwell, ID: $48.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Caldwell, ID runs $48.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,662 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Caldwell's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caldwell, Idaho, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists is $48.40, slightly below the national median of $49.49. This rate opens up various earning potentials, especially for part-time workers or those engaged in per diem opportunities. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week might see a steady income while still enjoying a work-life balance. The hourly pay range for dental hygienists in this area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $35.17 and top earners reaching $60.38. When evaluating the cost of living index, which is at 95.3 compared to the national average of 100, dental hygienists can manage their finances more effectively while working in settings like general dentistry practices, pediatric clinics, or public health mobile units, providing essential dental services to their communities.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($85,283) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.17 | $281.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.44 | $339.50 |
| Median (P50) | $48.40 | $387.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.65 | $421.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.38 | $483.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Caldwell
Based on $48.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.40/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Caldwell, ID can expect to earn approximately $100,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,078. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Caldwell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Caldwell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,935.93 | $8,389 | $100,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.56 | $5,033 | $60,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.37 | $3,356 | $40,267 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Caldwell) | $48.40 |
| 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 Caldwell, ID earn a median of $100,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% above the Idaho state average of $99,863.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.40/hr = $60,401/year (purchasing power: $63,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,669/year (purchasing power: $105,633).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.40/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Caldwell (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Caldwell grew 25.2% from $36.85/hr (2020) to $46.12/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.79/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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell
However, part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours a week can take home a substantial income over time, although it will differ from the earnings of a full-time hygienist. For those considering per diem roles, many local agencies offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour, which can provide flexibility but varies widely against other locations, especially in high-cost cities where rates soar. Employers in Caldwell—ranging from solo practitioners to large Dental Service Organizations like Heartland and Aspen—offer differing compensation structures. In some cases, hygienists may opt for slightly lower hourly pay for the benefits associated with full-time positions, such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher wages without benefits. Negotiation remains essential; presenting a solid case for hourly value and being aware of local industry standards can lead to favorable outcomes in pay discussions within the Caldwell area.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Caldwell in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Caldwell?
Are dental hygienists in Caldwell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Caldwell?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Caldwell?
Related Pages
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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 Caldwell. 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 Caldwell 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