Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $40.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Joliet, IL runs $40.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,684 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $40.61, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This difference suggests a challenging market for dental hygienist hourly pay in Joliet, impacting not just full-time professionals but also part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in various settings ranging from general dentistry operatories to public health mobile clinics. The hourly pay ranges from $31.09 for entry-level positions to $52.98 for the most experienced hygienists, reflecting the diversity in experience and expertise within the profession. Many dental hygienists in Joliet might find flexible scheduling appealing, allowing them to balance their commitments while earning a competitive rate within their geographic area.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.09 | $248.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.48 | $275.87 |
| Median (P50) | $40.61 | $324.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.40 | $363.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.98 | $423.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $40.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.61/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $84,473 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,734. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,624.47 | $7,039 | $84,473 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.68 | $4,224 | $50,684 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.79 | $2,816 | $33,789 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Joliet) | $40.61 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $84,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.94% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $84,985.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.61/hr = $50,684/year (purchasing power: $52,197).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,473/year (purchasing power: $86,995).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.61/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Joliet (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Joliet grew 7.2% from $36.11/hr (2020) to $38.70/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.62/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Owning to the variations in work environments in Joliet, the financial landscape for dental hygienists can significantly differ. For those choosing to work part-time, typically around three days a week (24 hours), the annual earnings can be substantial but still fall short of full-time salaries, limiting potential benefits like health insurance. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Joliet often ranges between $40 and $60 per hour, which can offer flexibility but typically lacks the security of full-time employment. Different types of employers also influence hourly rates; solo dental practices might offer lower pay compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often provide better benefits but may impose more stringent schedules. For dental hygienists looking to negotiate their pay, understanding local market trends and the trade-offs between hourly rates and employer-provided benefits will be crucial in securing a position that meets their financial and professional needs.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Joliet?
Are dental hygienists in Joliet paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Joliet?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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