Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Shrewsbury, MA: $47.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Shrewsbury, MA runs $47.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Shrewsbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,720 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $47.85 in 2026, which slightly lags behind the national median of $49.49. This rate translates well for part-time and per-diem workers who contribute to the dental care landscape in various settings such as general dentistry practices, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics. For those working three days a week in Shrewsbury, the hourly range—spanning from $38.67 for entry-level positions to $61.24 for top earners—reflects a solid earning potential that can vary significantly based on experience and the type of employer. These estimations are derived from the annual salary data and provide a snapshot of what registered dental hygienists can expect in their hourly wages as they navigate this essential healthcare profession.
About the Shrewsbury 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) | $38.67 | $309.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.78 | $334.21 |
| Median (P50) | $47.85 | $382.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.30 | $426.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.24 | $489.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shrewsbury
Based on $47.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.85/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shrewsbury, MA can expect to earn approximately $99,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,423. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shrewsbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shrewsbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,914.11 | $8,294 | $99,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,148.46 | $4,977 | $59,720 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $765.64 | $3,318 | $39,813 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Shrewsbury) | $47.85 |
| 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 Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $99,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.31% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,121.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.85/hr = $59,720/year (purchasing power: $55,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,533/year (purchasing power: $91,736).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$39.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.85/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Shrewsbury (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Shrewsbury grew 15.2% from $39.57/hr (2020) to $45.60/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.22/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 Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
Focusing on part-time employment, a dental hygienist in Shrewsbury working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. The allure of per diem dental hygienist pay in Shrewsbury can range anywhere from $40 to $60 an hour depending on demand and specific practice settings, though in high cost of living areas such as Boston, this can climb to $60-85. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types—solo practices, multi-doctor groups, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs)—means hygiene professionals might choose lower hourly rates for stable benefits, such as health insurance, which can provide long-term security. Those negotiating hourly pay should be prepared to discuss their experience and the specific requirements of the position, ensuring they strike a balance between competitive compensation and the benefits that accompany different work arrangements.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Shrewsbury in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Shrewsbury?
Are dental hygienists in Shrewsbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Shrewsbury?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Shrewsbury?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury 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