Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $49.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Medford, MA runs $49.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Medford, MA, can expect a median hourly pay of $49.47, which is just slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive wage can make a significant difference for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those who typically operate in various environments such as private general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, or public health settings. For those working just three days a week, especially in roles available through temp agencies, the hourly range allows newly licensed hygienists to earn from $39.72 at the 10th percentile to $64.57 at the 90th percentile. The attractive hourly structure reflects the potential for solid earnings and diverse employment opportunities, especially amid the ongoing consolidation in the dental profession which often influences salary scales and benefits.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.72 | $317.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.28 | $346.22 |
| Median (P50) | $49.47 | $395.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.75 | $430.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.57 | $516.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $49.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.47/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $102,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,362. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,978.75 | $8,575 | $102,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,187.25 | $5,145 | $61,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.50 | $3,430 | $41,158 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Medford) | $49.47 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $102,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,136.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.47/hr = $61,737/year (purchasing power: $56,900).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,895/year (purchasing power: $94,834).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.47/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Medford (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Medford grew 15.3% from $40.90/hr (2020) to $47.14/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.91/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 Medford 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 Medford
Part-time dental hygienists in Medford, working 24 hours per week, could realistically take home around $61,326 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who work 40 hours weekly. Those pursuing per diem opportunities may find themselves earning between $40 to $60 per hour, with higher rates seen in major cities due to the demand for flexible staffing solutions; for instance, some hygienists in nearby metropolitan areas can command rates of $60-85 per hour. Salary variations also depend on employer type; hygienists may earn less in solo practices compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). While some may choose positions with lower hourly rates secured by health benefits, others may opt for higher pay without such perks. For those navigating salary negotiations, understanding the local market and the specific offerings of dental practices in Medford is critical to maximizing their hourly pay potential.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Medford in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Medford?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Medford?
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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 Medford. 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 Medford 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