Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $62.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lodi, CA runs $62.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,702 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $62.26, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive rate offers attractive opportunities for part-time or per-diem workers who might be looking to balance their work schedule with personal commitments. For those working three days a week, typically clocking in around 24 hours, this hourly pay can allow for a considerable income even with a reduced schedule. Entry-level dental hygienists in Lodi can expect to earn approximately $48.80 per hour while top earners in the 90th percentile may see rates reaching $79.74. Such figures reflect the diverse payment structures influenced by the local demand for dental services, with various practice settings ranging from general dentistry to specialty practices.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.80 | $390.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.58 | $428.66 |
| Median (P50) | $62.26 | $498.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.11 | $552.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.74 | $637.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $62.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.26/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,713. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,490.44 | $10,792 | $129,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,494.26 | $6,475 | $77,702 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.17 | $4,317 | $51,801 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lodi) | $62.26 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $129,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.79% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% below the California state average of $129,889.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.26/hr = $77,702/year (purchasing power: $68,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,503/year (purchasing power: $114,503).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$51.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.26/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lodi (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $51.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lodi grew 14.9% from $51.64/hr (2020) to $59.33/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.34/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
Analyzing the earning potential for dental hygienists in Lodi reveals a nuanced landscape. A hygienist working part-time at three days a week could earn around $77,260 annually, while full-time counterparts might see their income significantly higher, underlining the flexibility that per diem or agency positions offer. These per diem dental hygienists might find varying pay rates, as temporary agencies often provide compensation between $40-$60/hour, which can rise in higher-cost locations. Additionally, employment types play a critical role in determining pay; dental hygienists in multi-doctor group practices and Dental Service Organizations might receive different compensatory packages compared to those in public health clinics or private practices. In negotiations, it's essential to consider both hourly pay and potential benefits such as healthcare or retirement plans, as some may opt for slightly lower pay for more comprehensive benefits. Crafting a well-thought-out strategy that takes into account both immediate needs and long-term goals can lead to a rewarding career in this profession.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lodi in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lodi?
Are dental hygienists in Lodi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lodi?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lodi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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