Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lackawanna, NY: $44.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lackawanna, NY runs $44.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lackawanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lackawanna, NY, the hourly compensation for a dental hygienist is projected to be $44.22 in 2026, which trails behind the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly rate provides a solid income for both full-time practitioners and those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. Specifically, a dental hygienist working three days a week can maintain a flexible schedule while still earning a commendable paycheck in settings ranging from general dental offices to specialized pediatric or periodontal practices. Entry-level hygienists can expect to start around $37.63 per hour, while seasoned professionals may reach up to $54.16 per hour, showcasing a clear spectrum of earning potential based on experience and job setting.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($98,275) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.63 | $301.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.76 | $318.09 |
| Median (P50) | $44.22 | $353.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.06 | $384.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.16 | $433.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lackawanna
Based on $44.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.22/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lackawanna, NY can expect to earn approximately $91,981 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,066. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lackawanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,768.87 | $7,665 | $91,981 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,061.32 | $4,599 | $55,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $707.55 | $3,066 | $36,792 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lackawanna) | $44.22 |
| 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 Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $91,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.66% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $98,266.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.22/hr = $55,189/year (purchasing power: $47,618).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,981/year (purchasing power: $79,363).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$37.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.22/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lackawanna (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lackawanna grew 11.9% from $37.67/hr (2020) to $42.14/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.41/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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
For dental hygienists considering part-time roles, working 24 hours per week translates into a respectable annual income, significantly higher than many part-time positions in other fields. In contrast, per-diem work offers even more variability, often with temp agencies in larger metropolitan areas providing rates from $40 to $60 per hour. In high-cost-of-living regions, these rates can escalate to between $60 and $85 per hour, but such contracts are rarer compared to nursing. The hourly rates in Lackawanna can vary depending on the employment type; solo practices may offer different pay scales compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or public health clinics. Some dental hygienists are willing to accept lower hourly pay for the benefits associated with full-time employment, including health insurance, while others prefer the flexibility that comes from contract work without these perks. It's crucial for dental professionals in Lackawanna to negotiate effectively, focusing on their unique value and the dynamics of their specific employer type when discussing hourly pay.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lackawanna in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lackawanna?
Are dental hygienists in Lackawanna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lackawanna?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lackawanna?
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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 Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna 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