Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, OH: $40.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Fairfield, OH runs $40.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,234 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, Ohio, dental hygienists command a median hourly pay of $40.98, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. For part-time hygienists working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a moderate income that can suit their lifestyle choices, especially since many in roles like general dentistry or pediatric clinics value flexibility. The hourly pay range in Fairfield spans from $33.38 for entry-level positions to $52.70 for those at the top of the pay scale, offering a wide variety of earning potential based on experience and the setting in which they work. Whether in hectic public health clinics or specialized periodontal practices, hourly rates reflect both the demand for skilled professionals and local market conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dental hygienist hourly pay in Fairfield.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($86,075) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.38 | $267.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.00 | $288.04 |
| Median (P50) | $40.98 | $327.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.47 | $347.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.70 | $421.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $40.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.98/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, OH can expect to earn approximately $85,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,175. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,639.16 | $7,103 | $85,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.50 | $4,262 | $51,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.67 | $2,841 | $34,095 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Fairfield) | $40.98 |
| 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 Fairfield, OH earn a median of $85,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.21% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% below the Ohio state average of $88,786.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.98/hr = $51,142/year (purchasing power: $56,386).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,236/year (purchasing power: $93,976).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.98/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Fairfield (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fairfield grew 21.8% from $32.05/hr (2020) to $39.05/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.00/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Part-time dental hygienists making $40.98 an hour take home approximately $31,000 annually for a 3-day workweek, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem dental hygienist pay in Fairfield can vary widely, often depending on the need within the market and the specific demands of the role. While temporary positions might yield $40-$60 per hour in metro areas, costs of living in higher-cost areas like San Francisco or New York City see hourly rates spike to even $60-$85. In Fairfield, hourly pay rates differ based on whether hygienists are employed in solo dental practices, larger group practices, or dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen. Many professionals may choose lower-paying roles that offer health benefits, while others seek higher hourly rates without additional perks. Negotiating hourly pay becomes essential, particularly for those entering dynamic workplaces, and understanding the local market rates can provide potential employees with confidence in their negotiations.
More salary data for Fairfield, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Fairfield?
Are dental hygienists in Fairfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Fairfield?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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