Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $57.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Waipahu, HI runs $57.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,201 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a commendable $57.85, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $49.49. This higher wage reflects the local demand for skilled dental hygienists, and it can be quite beneficial for those looking to work part-time or per diem. For example, a dental hygienist working three days a week typically clocks around 24 hours, translating this hourly rate into a robust income despite a reduced work schedule. With hourly earnings ranging from $44.34 at entry-level positions to $74.76 for those at the peak of their careers, WAipahu offers a variety of opportunities in general dentistry settings, specialty practices, and public health clinics. These rates are derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data and are indicative of the profession's trends and regional economic conditions.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($96,623) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.34 | $354.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.72 | $389.79 |
| Median (P50) | $57.85 | $462.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.45 | $491.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.76 | $598.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $57.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.85/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $120,335 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,424. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,314.14 | $10,028 | $120,335 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,388.48 | $6,017 | $72,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $925.65 | $4,011 | $48,134 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Waipahu) | $57.85 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $120,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $122,801.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.85/hr = $72,201/year (purchasing power: $60,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,335/year (purchasing power: $100,868).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$39.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.85/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Waipahu (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waipahu grew 38.1% from $39.92/hr (2020) to $55.13/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.71/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
When considering the potential earnings, part-time dental hygienists in Waipahu can generate substantial revenue without committing to full-time hours. Notably, a typical three-day workweek yields an annual take-home that aligns well with many full-time positions, offering flexibility without sacrificing financial stability. For per diem dental hygienists, agency positions in high-cost-of-living areas often command hourly rates from $40 to $60, reflecting regional variations. In contrast, those working within a structured practice like a Dental Service Organization might see different pay scales, potentially trading higher hourly wages for benefits like health insurance. This trade-off is essential for many professionals considering their long-term career paths. For negotiating hourly rates, being informed about the prevailing wages in various settings—ranging from solo practitioners to large DSOs—can give hygienists the leverage they need to secure a fair salary reflective of their skills and experience.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Waipahu?
Are dental hygienists in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Waipahu?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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