Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Huron, SD: $42.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Huron, SD runs $42.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Huron's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Huron, South Dakota, the projected median hourly rate for a dental hygienist stands at $42.35, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This wage reflects the local market's adjustment to dental hygiene services provided in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a solid income. Entry-level hygienists can expect to earn around $35.00 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals may command rates as high as $50.72, underscoring a clear pay progression within the field. Importantly, these hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salaries, providing useful context for career planning in this line of work.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.00 | $279.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.33 | $298.62 |
| Median (P50) | $42.35 | $338.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.22 | $369.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.72 | $405.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huron
Based on $42.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.35/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huron, SD can expect to earn approximately $88,096 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,825. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,694.15 | $7,341 | $88,096 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,016.49 | $4,405 | $52,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.66 | $2,937 | $35,238 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Huron) | $42.35 |
| 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 Huron, SD earn a median of $88,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.42% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.80% below the South Dakota state average of $95,557.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.35/hr = $52,858/year (purchasing power: $56,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,096/year (purchasing power: $94,931).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.35/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Huron (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Huron grew 20.9% from $33.37/hr (2020) to $40.36/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.45/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 Huron 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 Huron
Looking at the bigger picture, dental hygienists working part-time at 24 hours a week can expect an annual income of approximately $52,353, which is significantly lower than their full-time colleagues. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Huron can vary, with many professionals turning to temporary agencies for more flexible work. In more affluent areas or high cost of living (HCOL) cities, rates can soar from $40 to $60, pushing beyond $60 in top markets like San Francisco or New York City. In Huron, hourly compensation varies depending on the employer type, with solo practices typically offering lower rates than multi-doctor practices or DSOs such as Heartland and Aspen. Those choosing to work for public health organizations may accept lower wages for the benefits of stable employment, such as health insurance, while others may seek the higher pay offered in positions without benefits. For negotiating an hourly rate, it's critical to emphasize your qualifications and local demand, especially in a market shaped by large dental service organizations and evolving dental care models.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Huron in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Huron?
Are dental hygienists in Huron paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Huron?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Huron?
Related Pages
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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 Huron. 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 Huron 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