Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Scottsbluff, NE: $43.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Scottsbluff, NE runs $43.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Scottsbluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,233 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scottsbluff, Nebraska, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $43.46, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This disparity may influence the decisions of part-time employees, often working three days a week in various settings such as general dental practices, pediatrics, and public health clinics. For those considering per-diem roles, the potential for fluctuating hours means that hourly compensation can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $33.81 and top earners making $51.21 per hour. Given that these estimates are derived from annual salary data, the hourly pay structure reflects the competitive market dynamics in Scottsbluff and emphasizes the critical role that dental hygienists play in maintaining oral health across diverse patient environments.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($85,098) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.81 | $270.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.46 | $315.66 |
| Median (P50) | $43.46 | $347.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.98 | $367.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.21 | $409.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scottsbluff
Based on $43.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.46/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scottsbluff, NE can expect to earn approximately $90,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,147. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scottsbluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scottsbluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,738.23 | $7,532 | $90,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,042.94 | $4,519 | $54,233 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $695.29 | $3,013 | $36,155 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Scottsbluff) | $43.46 |
| 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 Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $90,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $94,163.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.46/hr = $54,233/year (purchasing power: $59,271).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,388/year (purchasing power: $98,784).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.46/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Scottsbluff (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Scottsbluff grew 22.4% from $33.83/hr (2020) to $41.41/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.60/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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff
Examining the financial implications for dental hygienists opting for part-time work reveals nuances in annual income compared to full-time positions. A hygienist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would bring home approximately $54,045 per year, substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Scottsbluff presents enticing opportunities, especially as temp agencies often compensate hygienists between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on the market. This flexibility, however, must be weighed against the steady benefits that full-time employment with solo practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) might offer. Each employer type provides varying hourly rates, impacted by factors like location and patient demographics. Thus, hygienists must carefully consider their own needs and healthcare options when negotiating rates in Scottsbluff, balancing the allure of higher pay against job security and overall benefits.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Scottsbluff in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Scottsbluff?
Are dental hygienists in Scottsbluff paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Scottsbluff?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Scottsbluff?
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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 Scottsbluff. 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 Scottsbluff 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