Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $40.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Cleveland, TN runs $40.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,826 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,291 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, TN, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $40.30, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This discrepancy reflects the regional economic conditions and the cost of living, which is below the national average with an index of 88.08. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $63,344 annually, a viable income for seasoned professionals. Entry-level hygienists may find themselves in the lower pay range, with hourly rates starting around $35.20, while the top earners can make up to $46.77. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlight the variety of work settings in which dental hygienists operate, from general dentistry practices to specialized clinics and public health setups.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.20 | $281.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.82 | $318.60 |
| Median (P50) | $40.30 | $322.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.49 | $339.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.77 | $374.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $40.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.30/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $83,818 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,356. With a cost-of-living index of 88.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.88 | $6,985 | $83,818 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.13 | $4,191 | $50,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.75 | $2,794 | $33,527 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Cleveland) | $40.30 |
| 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 Cleveland, TN earn a median of $83,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.57% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.60% below the Tennessee state average of $86,064.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.30/hr = $50,291/year (purchasing power: $57,097).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,818/year (purchasing power: $95,161).
CoL index: 88.08 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.30/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Cleveland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Cleveland grew 6.5% from $36.06/hr (2020) to $38.40/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.29/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Part-time dental hygienists in Cleveland can expect to take home a different annual income when compared to their full-time counterparts; working a 24-hour week at the median hourly pay results in a stable income that may favorably match their lifestyle needs. For those considering per diem opportunities, it's essential to know that pay rates can range from $40 to $60; however, roles in higher-cost metros show even greater potential up to $85 per hour. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on employment settings—hygienists in multi-doctor practices or Dental Service Organizations, such as Heartland and Aspen, may receive different compensations compared to those in solo or pediatric offices. Managing the trade-offs of lower pay for guaranteed benefits, like health insurance, is a strategic decision for many. When negotiating hourly pay, understanding local compensation averages and being transparent about desired benefits can provide a stronger position in discussions with potential employers in Cleveland, TN.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cleveland. 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