Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $44.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Middleton, WI runs $44.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,857 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $44.76. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49 for similar positions. This compensation reflects the typical work settings, including general dental offices, specialty clinics, and public health facilities where dental hygienists often operate. For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate can be quite favorable, especially for positions averaging three days a week. As for entry-level dental hygienists, hourly rates start around $37.17, while experienced professionals can command up to $55.33 per hour. These estimates draw from annual salary data, illustrating a solid pay spectrum that supports varying professional choices within the field.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.17 | $297.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.58 | $316.67 |
| Median (P50) | $44.76 | $358.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.97 | $391.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.33 | $442.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $44.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.76/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $93,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,708. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,790.28 | $7,758 | $93,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,074.17 | $4,655 | $55,857 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $716.11 | $3,103 | $37,238 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Middleton) | $44.76 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $93,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.57% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,640.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.76/hr = $55,857/year (purchasing power: $59,804).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,094/year (purchasing power: $99,673).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.76/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Middleton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Middleton grew 35.9% from $31.38/hr (2020) to $42.65/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.97/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
Part-time dental hygienists in Middleton, working three days per week with a total of 24 hours, will net approximately $55,059 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts, who make around $93,092 per year. For those in the per-diem market, pay for dental hygienists can range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on local demand and specific practice setups. While larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or pediatric specialty offices might offer higher rates, many solo practitioners or smaller clinics may provide wages that prioritize benefits over hourly pay. This balance often influences career decisions, as some professionals opt for positions with lower hours but more robust health insurance benefits. Those negotiating hourly pay should be informed about local market trends and be prepared to address factors such as schedule flexibility and job security during their discussions.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Middleton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Middleton?
Are dental hygienists in Middleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Middleton?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Middleton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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