Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $40.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Urbandale, IA runs $40.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, Iowa, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $40.11, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate is representative of work settings such as general dentistry operatories, specialty suite environments, and public health clinics. For part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, the potential earnings can provide a comfortable income, although they might sacrifice benefits typically offered in full-time positions. The hourly compensation ranges from $32.33 for entry-level positions to $49.76 for top earners in Urbandale, reflecting a mix of experience and the specific employer's compensation structure, which can include private practices or larger dental service organizations.
About the Urbandale Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($85,185) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.33 | $258.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.99 | $279.90 |
| Median (P50) | $40.11 | $320.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.81 | $350.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.76 | $398.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $40.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.11/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $83,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,130. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,604.32 | $6,952 | $83,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $962.59 | $4,171 | $50,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.73 | $2,781 | $33,370 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Urbandale) | $40.11 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $83,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.96% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $87,362.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.11/hr = $50,055/year (purchasing power: $55,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,425/year (purchasing power: $92,284).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.11/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Urbandale (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Urbandale grew 13.0% from $33.83/hr (2020) to $38.22/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.09/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Considering part-time roles, a dental hygienist in Urbandale working 24 hours a week could take home an annual income that may vary based on specific work agreements and benefits offered by their employers. Many hygienists choose per diem positions, which can offer pay rates between $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the market and the demand within the area. These positions provide flexibility but often lack the comprehensive benefits that accompany traditional roles in dental practices. Employers such as small practices, multi-doctor groups, and larger DSOs like Aspen and Pacific Dental might offer differing hourly rates due to variations in compensation packages and job security. It's essential for dental hygienists to assess their own priorities, weighing the potential for higher hourly wages against the value of benefits like health insurance. Professionals in Urbandale are encouraged to negotiate effectively, emphasizing their specific skills and the competitive landscape as part of their conversations with potential employers.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Urbandale in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Urbandale?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Urbandale?
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Career Resources
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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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