Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $59.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Chico, CA runs $59.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,807 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Chico, California, offers a competitive dental hygienist hourly pay at $59.94, which is significantly above the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This elevated pay scale can be particularly appealing for those looking to work part-time or per diem, allowing for flexibility across various settings, including general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics. The hourly pay range in Chico spans from $50.78 for entry-level positions to $64.67 for experienced hygienists, providing a clear pathway for career advancement. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting a robust market for dental hygienists in the area.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.78 | $406.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.91 | $423.29 |
| Median (P50) | $59.94 | $479.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.15 | $513.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.67 | $517.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $59.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.94/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,930. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,397.67 | $10,390 | $124,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,438.60 | $6,234 | $74,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $959.07 | $4,156 | $49,872 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Chico) | $59.94 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $124,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.10% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% below the California state average of $129,863.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.94/hr = $74,807/year (purchasing power: $73,922).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,679/year (purchasing power: $123,204).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$50.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.94/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Chico (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Chico grew 12.5% from $50.76/hr (2020) to $57.12/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.90/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 Chico 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 Chico
For dental hygienists working part-time, the earning potential is substantial, with a 24-hour workweek yielding an impressive annual income. Those considering per diem roles can expect varying pay rates, especially given that temp agencies often compensate Registered Dental Hygienists between $40-60/hr, with higher costs of living cities pushing rates even further. In Chico, hourly earnings can differ based on the employer type; solo practices may offer one structure, while multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (like Heartland and Aspen) might provide better benefits packaging. Many hygienists face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with health benefits and higher pay without, presenting unique negotiation opportunities. Understanding these dynamics will enable dental hygiene professionals to strategically approach their career paths and compensation expectations in Chico.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Chico?
Are dental hygienists in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Chico?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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