Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Orlando, FL: $46.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Orlando, FL runs $46.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,132 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Orlando's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,279 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Orlando, Florida, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $46.70, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This rate is beneficial for part-time and per-diem dental hygienists, who may work a typical schedule of three days a week or seek flexible per-diem opportunities across various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric examination rooms, and public health clinics. The hourly wage for dental hygienists in Orlando ranges from $37.78 for entry-level positions to $48.11 for experienced professionals, providing a spectrum of earning potential that's more accessible to those just starting and enticing for seasoned experts. This data comes from 2025 BLS OEWS numbers, projected for 2026, indicating a competitive yet varied pay environment for dental hygienists in FL.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.78 | $302.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.24 | $313.90 |
| Median (P50) | $46.70 | $373.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.62 | $380.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.11 | $384.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orlando
Based on $46.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.70/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orlando, FL can expect to earn approximately $97,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,038. With a cost-of-living index of 101.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orlando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orlando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,867.93 | $8,094 | $97,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,120.76 | $4,857 | $58,279 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $747.17 | $3,238 | $38,853 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Orlando) | $46.70 |
| 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 Orlando, FL earn a median of $97,132 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.65% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% above the Florida state average of $96,362.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.70/hr = $58,279/year (purchasing power: $57,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,132/year (purchasing power: $95,774).
CoL index: 101.418 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$34.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.70/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Orlando (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Orlando grew 28.9% from $34.53/hr (2020) to $44.50/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.01/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 Orlando 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 Orlando
Part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home pay significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still substantial. For instance, a typical part-timer earning $46.70 per hour would bring home approximately $58,565 annually, while full-time hygienists at the same rate would net around $97,132. Those considering per diem work often find options that pay between $40 and $60 per hour through temp agencies, with higher rates seen in coastal cities. Additionally, hourly rates differ considerably based on the type of employer; dental hygienists may earn more in Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) versus private practices. Many hygienists weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay against the security of health insurance offered by full-time positions. Effective salary negotiation tactics are crucial, especially given Orlando's evolving job market for dental hygienists, and candidates should be prepared to advocate for compensation reflective of their skills and the local demand for dental care.
More salary data for Orlando, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Orlando. 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