Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Mequon, WI: $45.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Mequon, WI runs $45.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,100 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Mequon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mequon, Wisconsin, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $45.24, which is slightly lower than the national average hourly rate of $49.49. This rate offers a solid foundation for professionals working part-time or seeking per-diem opportunities across a variety of settings, including general dental practices, periodontal specialty clinics, and public health mobile units. For those in Mequon, entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn around $38.20 per hour, while highly experienced individuals can reach as much as $52.59 per hour. It's crucial to remember that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries for 2026 and reflect the competitive landscape that exists within this dental care sector.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.20 | $305.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.60 | $324.81 |
| Median (P50) | $45.24 | $361.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.42 | $379.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.59 | $420.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mequon
Based on $45.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.24/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mequon, WI can expect to earn approximately $94,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,288. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mequon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mequon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,809.59 | $7,842 | $94,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,085.75 | $4,705 | $56,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.83 | $3,137 | $37,639 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Mequon) | $45.24 |
| 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 Mequon, WI earn a median of $94,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,641.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.24/hr = $56,459/year (purchasing power: $60,449).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,098/year (purchasing power: $100,748).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.24/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Mequon (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Mequon grew 35.9% from $31.72/hr (2020) to $43.11/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.47/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 Mequon 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 Mequon
When considering part-time work in this field, a dental hygienist in Mequon who commits to three days a week can expect substantial earnings, but they will still likely take home less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Many dental hygienists work on a per-diem basis, with pay rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour through temp agencies. In higher cost-of-living areas, this can escalate, with some earning up to $85 per hour. Interestingly, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer, from solo dental practices to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that offer benefits but may have slightly lower rates. This can create a trade-off for professionals balancing the need for healthcare benefits against the desire for a higher hourly wage. For those negotiating their pay in Mequon, it's advisable to research local standards and articulate the value of their skills to secure a competitive rate.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Mequon in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Mequon?
Are dental hygienists in Mequon paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Mequon?
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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 Mequon. 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 Mequon 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