Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $61.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lacey, WA runs $61.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,785 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a commendable $61.53, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive rate provides an attractive option for both part-time and per-diem workers, who may work in diverse settings such as general dentistry practices, periodontal clinics, pediatric offices, and public health mobile clinics. Entry-level practitioners can expect to earn around $48.78 per hour, while the top earners in Lacey can make as much as $81.77, showcasing a healthy pay range across experience levels. These hourly estimates are based on annual salaries projected for 2026, reflecting a robust demand for dental hygienists in the area.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.78 | $390.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.36 | $426.90 |
| Median (P50) | $61.53 | $492.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.39 | $531.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.77 | $654.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $61.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $127,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,832. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,461.05 | $10,665 | $127,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,476.63 | $6,399 | $76,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.42 | $4,266 | $51,190 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lacey) | $61.53 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $127,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.30% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $128,998.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.53/hr = $76,785/year (purchasing power: $71,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,975/year (purchasing power: $119,157).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$46.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lacey (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lacey grew 26.3% from $46.43/hr (2020) to $58.63/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.57/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
For dental hygienists working part-time at three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, the annual income can be quite different from that of full-time peers. Specifically, part-time professionals could earn around $76,129 annually, while full-timers may reach upwards of $128,000. Additionally, the per diem dental hygienist pay in Lacey varies, with temporary agencies often offering rates from $40 to $60 per hour, and higher rates in urban centers. The remuneration can fluctuate based on employer type, with solo practices paying differently than larger groups or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that offer benefits like health insurance, which some hygienists may prefer despite lower hourly pay. Negotiation strategies are key, especially in Lacey's competitive environment; highlighting specific skills or certifications, such as knowledge from ADA CODA-accredited programs, can make a difference when discussing pay rates or benefits.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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