Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Tulsa, OK: $50.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Tulsa, OK runs $50.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,307 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Tulsa's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,178 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tulsa, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists stands at $50.62, slightly above the national average of $49.49. This competitive rate offers significant opportunities for part-time workers and those seeking per-diem roles within various clinical environments, from general dentistry offices to specialized periodontal suites and public health clinics. Entry-level hygienists can expect to earn around $38.64 per hour, gradually moving up to $61.76 for top earners in the region. These figures, drawn from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the favorable conditions for dental hygiene professionals within Tulsa's dynamic healthcare landscape.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.64 | $309.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.48 | $387.86 |
| Median (P50) | $50.62 | $404.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.37 | $418.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.76 | $494.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulsa
Based on $50.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.62/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulsa, OK can expect to earn approximately $105,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,748. With a cost-of-living index of 89.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tulsa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulsa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,024.92 | $8,775 | $105,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,214.95 | $5,265 | $63,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.97 | $3,510 | $42,118 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Tulsa) | $50.62 |
| 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 Tulsa, OK earn a median of $105,307 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 15.10% above the Oklahoma state average of $91,492.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.62/hr = $63,178/year (purchasing power: $70,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,296/year (purchasing power: $118,026).
CoL index: 89.214 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$42.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.62/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Tulsa (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $42.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Tulsa grew 14.7% from $42.04/hr (2020) to $48.24/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.12/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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa
Part-time dental hygienists in Tulsa can take home a substantial income working three days a week, with a potential annual income reflective of around 24 hours of work each week. The flexibility that comes with per-diem roles typically offers a range of $40 to $60 per hour; however, in higher-cost-of-living cities, wages can reach up to $85 per hour. Variability in hourly rates arises from the type of employer, with solo practices generally offering less than larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty offices. Some hygienists may opt for lower pay at smaller practices, attracted by benefits like health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay effectively, having a clear understanding of the market rates and a willingness to explore various employment options can enhance their earning potential. As Tulsa continues to evolve within the dental hygiene field, these hourly dynamics present both challenges and opportunities for registered dental hygienists.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tulsa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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