Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, SC: $42.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Mount Pleasant, SC runs $42.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,080 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $42.53 in 2026, which is below the national hourly median of $49.49. This pay reflects the local market conditions and presents opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings such as general dental practices, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the flexibility of their schedule could significantly influence their annual earnings despite the median rate. As data suggests, entry-level hygienists can expect an hourly wage of around $32.56, while top earners in this field may earn up to $53.54 per hour, providing a wide range of income possibilities based on experience and employment setting.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($83,561) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.56 | $260.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.09 | $280.74 |
| Median (P50) | $42.53 | $340.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.65 | $373.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.54 | $428.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $42.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, SC can expect to earn approximately $88,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,039. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,701.29 | $7,372 | $88,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,020.77 | $4,423 | $53,080 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.51 | $2,949 | $35,387 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Mount Pleasant) | $42.53 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, SC earn a median of $88,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.50% above the South Carolina state average of $87,151.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.53/hr = $53,080/year (purchasing power: $58,011).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,467/year (purchasing power: $96,685).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$29.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Mount Pleasant (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Mount Pleasant grew 35.6% from $29.89/hr (2020) to $40.53/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.63/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
For those in Mount Pleasant opting for part-time positions, working a typical 24-hour week can yield a substantial annual income, although it may not match that of full-time colleagues. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Mount Pleasant can range significantly, as temp agencies often offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on demand and the specific practice environment. Different employments, such as solo dental practices or larger DSOs like Heartland or Aspen, may present varied hourly rates. Dental hygienists may need to consider the trade-offs of higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance. When negotiating pay, clarity on the total compensation package—including benefits—is essential, especially in this emerging landscape where more practitioners are seeking flexible work arrangements. By understanding the intricacies of the local market, including the competitive rates offered by different types of employers, hygienists in Mount Pleasant can make informed decisions that align with their career goals and personal lives.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Mount Pleasant in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Mount Pleasant?
Are dental hygienists in Mount Pleasant paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Mount Pleasant?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Pleasant?
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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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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