Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Florence, AL: $29.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Florence, AL runs $29.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.8, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,932 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, AL, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $29.59, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly wage reflects the economic landscape of the area, making it essential for dental hygienists in Florence to consider their work options carefully. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates into a realistic income, especially in settings like general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Florence extends from $23.51 at the entry-level to about $31.00 for top earners. Employers typically vary from private dental practices and DSOs to public health clinics, each of which can impact the available shifts and earning potentials. The information provided reflects official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.51 | $188.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.87 | $198.97 |
| Median (P50) | $29.59 | $236.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.81 | $238.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.00 | $247.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $29.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.59/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AL can expect to earn approximately $61,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,512. With a cost-of-living index of 84.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.72 | $5,129 | $61,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.23 | $3,078 | $36,932 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.49 | $2,052 | $24,621 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Florence) | $29.59 |
| 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 Florence, AL earn a median of $61,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.20% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.00% below the Alabama state average of $63,462.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.59/hr = $36,932/year (purchasing power: $43,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,554/year (purchasing power: $72,572).
CoL index: 84.817 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.59/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Florence (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Florence grew 23.5% from $22.84/hr (2020) to $28.20/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Florence 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 Florence
For a part-time dental hygienist working three days a week, the annual take-home can be significantly lower than full-time counterparts, emphasizing the need for strategic financial planning. Per diem dental hygienists in Florence may find opportunities that pay more on an hourly basis, yet these roles can come with fluctuating schedules and income stability. Many temporary agencies in larger metropolitan areas offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour, but this wage might not directly translate into Florence's market. As local employment dynamics shift, professionals may encounter varying hourly rates depending on employer types, such as solo practitioners versus larger dental service organizations. When negotiating pay, dental hygienists should highlight their skills and experiences, while also weighing the benefits trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with health insurance coverage typically offered in full-time positions.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Florence?
Are dental hygienists in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Florence?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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 Florence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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