Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $61.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Hawthorne, CA runs $61.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,007 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hawthorne, California, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $61.70, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This pay structure translates well for part-time and per-diem workers, enabling those who work three days a week to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range for dental hygienists in this region varies, with entry-level positions starting around $44.66 and experienced professionals hitting up to $76.77. Such earning potential is crucial for work environments common in the field, including general dentistry operatories, periodontal suites, pediatric clinics, and mobile health units. Given that these hourly rates are based on projected annual salary data for 2026, they provide a valuable snapshot of the market for dental hygienists in Hawthorne.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $44.66 | $357.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.98 | $431.85 |
| Median (P50) | $61.70 | $493.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.00 | $536.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.77 | $614.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $61.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.70/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,046. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,468.19 | $10,695 | $128,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,480.91 | $6,417 | $77,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $987.28 | $4,278 | $51,338 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Hawthorne) | $61.70 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $128,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.68% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.20% below the California state average of $129,913.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.70/hr = $77,007/year (purchasing power: $68,088).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,346/year (purchasing power: $113,480).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.70/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Hawthorne (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hawthorne grew 12.5% from $52.26/hr (2020) to $58.80/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.75/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Focusing on part-time earnings, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week can make a considerable income without committing to full-time. This means a part-time worker could realistically take home around $77,345 annually, versus a full-time counterpart who could expect their earnings to exceed $128,354. For those interested in per diem roles, pay rates can be variable; temp agencies typically offer between $40-60 per hour, with even higher rates in urban markets like San Francisco and New York City. Hourly compensation differs based on employer types, with many solo practices and specialty offices offering competitive rates, while Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may provide additional benefits that some might prefer despite a slightly lower hourly rate. Dental hygienists in Hawthorne should consider negotiating for benefits when offered lower hourly wages, as access to health insurance and retirement plans can significantly affect overall job satisfaction and financial security.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Hawthorne?
Are dental hygienists in Hawthorne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Hawthorne?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Hawthorne?
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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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