Dental Hygienist Pay

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.

$91,977
Median Annual Salary
$44.22/hr
Hourly Rate
$78,276
Entry Level (P10)
$112,648
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Lackawanna, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lackawanna, NY dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Lackawanna earning $44.22/hr would make approximately $53,066 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $91,981 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$53,066Reduced (32 hr/wk)$70,755Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$91,981

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$353.77
per 8hr shift
$1,768.87
per week
$7,665
per month
$91,981
per year

Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Lackawanna ($91,977) with New York average ($98,266) and the US national median ($102,946).Lackawanna$91,977New York Avg$98,266-6.40%US National$102,946-10.66%

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 (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Lackawanna. Baseline $37.67/hr in 2025, projected to $46.41/hr by 2027.$35$38$42$45$48202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$37.67$40.29$41.36$42.52$36.78$42.14$44.22$46.41
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$37.67/hrActual
2021$40.29/hrActual
2022$41.36/hrActual
2023$42.52/hrActual
2024$36.78/hrActual
2025$42.14/hrActual
2026(current)$44.22/hrEstimated
2027$46.41/hrProjected

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 (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lackawanna in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lackawanna is $44.22/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $37.63 at entry level (10th percentile) to $54.16 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 10.7% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lackawanna?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Lackawanna earns approximately $4,599/month, or $55,189/year at the median hourly rate of $44.22. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Lackawanna paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Lackawanna are paid hourly at a median rate of $44.22/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $91,981/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lackawanna?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Lackawanna earns approximately $91,981/year at the median hourly rate of $44.22. This is 10.7% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $112,652/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lackawanna?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Lackawanna sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $54.16/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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