Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Brentwood, CA: $62.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Brentwood, CA runs $62.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,741 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Brentwood, CA, is projected to reach $62.29, representing a significant increase compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly rate enables dental hygienists working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, to earn a respectable income while balancing personal commitments or furthering their education. For instance, a part-time hygienist may take home approximately $78,908 annually by working 24 hours a week, which supports a comfortable lifestyle in Brentwood with its above-average cost of living index of 113.1. The hourly range for dental hygienists in this city spans from $46.04 for entry-level positions to $82.65 for experienced professionals, making it an appealing field both for new graduates and seasoned practitioners in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, specialty suites, and public health clinics.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.04 | $368.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.47 | $411.78 |
| Median (P50) | $62.29 | $498.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.36 | $546.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.65 | $661.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $62.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.29/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,751. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,491.70 | $10,797 | $129,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,495.02 | $6,478 | $77,741 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.68 | $4,319 | $51,827 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Brentwood) | $62.29 |
| 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 Brentwood, CA earn a median of $129,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.87% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% below the California state average of $129,969.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.29/hr = $77,741/year (purchasing power: $68,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,568/year (purchasing power: $114,561).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.29/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Brentwood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Brentwood grew 12.5% from $52.76/hr (2020) to $59.36/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.37/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 Brentwood 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 Brentwood
When considering part-time work, dental hygienists in Brentwood may find that even with a reduced schedule, their annual earnings remain competitive when compared to full-time options. For instance, opting for per diem roles might yield varying compensation as temporary or agency positions typically pay between $40 and $60 an hour, while professionals in high-cost areas can see rates rise to $60-$85. Often, dental hygienists must choose between higher hourly rates and stable positions that offer health benefits, particularly when working for dental service organizations (DSOs) or multi-doctor practices. Negotiation can be key when seeking positions in Brentwood; emphasizing specific skills, flexibility, or specialized training may lead to better offers. This city’s diverse array of employment opportunities—from pediatric offices to periodontal practices—can also influence earning potential, allowing dental hygienists to align their personal and professional priorities.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Brentwood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Brentwood?
Are dental hygienists in Brentwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Brentwood?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Brentwood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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