Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, NH: $50.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Portsmouth, NH runs $50.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,988 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,597 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly rate of $50.96, slightly surpassing the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly pay offers attractive opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers seeking flexible schedules within settings like general dentistry offices, periodontal suites, and public health clinics. With an hourly pay range from $41.15 at the lower end (P10) to $59.87 for the top earners (P90), individuals in this profession have various earning potential based on their experience, location, and the specific setting in which they work. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing dental hygienists in Portsmouth to benefit from a financial outlook that remains favorable compared to other regions.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($93,590) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.15 | $329.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.25 | $354.03 |
| Median (P50) | $50.96 | $407.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.93 | $431.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.87 | $478.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $50.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.96/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, NH can expect to earn approximately $105,994 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,151. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,038.35 | $8,833 | $105,994 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,223.01 | $5,300 | $63,597 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $815.34 | $3,533 | $42,398 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Portsmouth) | $50.96 |
| 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 Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $105,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $110,405.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.96/hr = $63,597/year (purchasing power: $59,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,994/year (purchasing power: $98,783).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$38.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.96/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Portsmouth (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Portsmouth grew 27.6% from $38.06/hr (2020) to $48.56/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.48/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Considering the earning potential, a dental hygienist working part-time for three days a week (totaling 24 hours) could take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Annualizing part-time work at $50.96 per hour results in roughly $63,000, which is markedly lower than a full-time practitioner earning a median annual figure. On the other hand, per diem dental hygienist pay in Portsmouth can vary based on demand and location, resembling rates seen in larger cities where agency workers can command $60-85 per hour. Rates differ widely based on employer type; solo dental practices may offer less flexibility and benefits, while Dental Service Organizations might provide enhanced perks in exchange for slightly lower pay rates. Those practicing in specialty offices or public health clinics may navigate distinct pay scales influenced by funding and service demands. It is crucial for job seekers to negotiate effectively, weighing the benefits of health insurance against the allure of higher hourly rates without benefits, positioning themselves effectively in Portsmouth's growing dental hygiene market.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Portsmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Portsmouth?
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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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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