Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in SeaTac, WA: $60.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in SeaTac, WA runs $60.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against SeaTac's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In SeaTac, Washington, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach $60.78 in 2026, substantially higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this translates to a take-home pay that is significantly robust for a three-day schedule. With hourly rates ranging from $46.32 for entry-level positions to $78.54 for the highest earners, dental hygienists in various settings—including general dentistry offices and specialized clinics—can expect competitive compensation supporting a flexible work-life balance. Those working per diem can also benefit, as this structure allows for earnings that further enhance the potential value of the hourly rate, particularly in the diverse environments common in dental health service delivery throughout the region.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.32 | $370.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.19 | $409.52 |
| Median (P50) | $60.78 | $486.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.56 | $516.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.54 | $628.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in SeaTac
Based on $60.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.78/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in SeaTac, WA can expect to earn approximately $126,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,937. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in SeaTac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in SeaTac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,431.25 | $10,535 | $126,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,458.75 | $6,321 | $75,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $972.50 | $4,214 | $50,570 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (SeaTac) | $60.78 |
| 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 SeaTac, WA earn a median of $126,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.81% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $129,010.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.78/hr = $75,855/year (purchasing power: $70,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,425/year (purchasing power: $117,714).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$46.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.78/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in SeaTac (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $46.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in SeaTac grew 25.0% from $46.34/hr (2020) to $57.92/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.78/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 SeaTac 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 SeaTac
Considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, a dental hygienist in SeaTac can expect to take home around $75,000 annually, compared to the average full-time earnings in the profession. The per diem dental hygienist pay in SeaTac varies widely, with temp agencies typically offering between $40-$60 per hour, while higher-cost-of-living cities may offer even more. Additionally, hourly wages differ based on the type of employer; for instance, dental service organizations (DSOs) are increasingly competitive, providing benefits and sign-on bonuses that influence pay structures. Those choosing to prioritize higher hourly rates may opt for independent practices but could sacrifice the benefits that larger organizations afford. For negotiation, understanding the local market rates and perks associated with different practice types can significantly empower dental hygienists in SeaTac when determining their ideal compensation package.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in SeaTac in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in SeaTac?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in SeaTac?
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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 SeaTac. 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 SeaTac 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