Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Warwick, RI: $45.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Warwick, RI runs $45.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,376 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Warwick, Rhode Island, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists is $45.97, noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly compensation can significantly impact both part-time and per-diem workers, allowing those in this profession to tailor their schedules according to personal needs and available work opportunities. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week would see a considerable income at this hourly rate, while per-diem positions typically offer flexibly scheduled work that can also be lucrative. The hourly pay ranges from $34.72 for entry-level positions to $59.24 for the top earners, highlighting potential financial growth as professionals gain experience and expertise within various settings such as general dentistry operatives and specialty clinics.
About the Warwick Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($85,020) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.72 | $277.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.68 | $309.45 |
| Median (P50) | $45.97 | $367.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.15 | $409.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.24 | $473.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Warwick
Based on $45.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.97/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $95,626 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,169. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,838.97 | $7,969 | $95,626 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,103.38 | $4,781 | $57,376 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $735.59 | $3,188 | $38,251 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Warwick) | $45.97 |
| 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 Warwick, RI earn a median of $95,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,487.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.97/hr = $57,376/year (purchasing power: $57,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,626/year (purchasing power: $95,151).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$37.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.97/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Warwick (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Warwick grew 18.3% from $37.02/hr (2020) to $43.81/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.25/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 Warwick 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 Warwick
Examining the financial dynamics further reveals the earning potential for a dental hygienist working part-time and per diem contracts in Warwick. A three-day workweek totaling 24 hours would yield approximately $56,052 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time income, emphasizing the desire for work-life balance in this field. Those opting for agency or per-diem roles may find flexibility appealing, though compensation often fluctuates; temporary positions typically pay between $40 and $60 per hour, with areas of high cost of living sometimes reaching $85. Different employer types in Warwick—ranging from solo practices to larger Dental Service Organizations—offer varying compensation structures, which can affect benefits. Some dental hygienists may choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance, while others embrace the higher hourly without the security of benefits. For those involved in hourly negotiations, highlighting skills, experience, and adaptability can significantly influence earning potential within this evolving job market.
More salary data for Warwick, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Warwick in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Warwick?
Are dental hygienists in Warwick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Warwick?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Warwick?
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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 Warwick. 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 Warwick 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