Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, IN: $41.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lawrence, IN runs $41.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,928 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Indiana, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 sits at $41.61, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This rate translates to approximately $3,329 per month for those working part-time, such as three days a week, depending on their specific schedules. With an hourly range spanning from $33.68 for entry-level positions to $53.30 for experienced professionals, those in varied settings—ranging from general dentistry offices to specialty clinics—find diverse opportunities. While many hygienists are employed by private practices, others may work part-time or as per diem dental hygienists, which allows for more flexible hours but often comes with varying pay rates based on demand and practice type.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($89,222) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.68 | $269.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.36 | $290.89 |
| Median (P50) | $41.61 | $332.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.37 | $370.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.30 | $426.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $41.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.61/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, IN can expect to earn approximately $86,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,930. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,664.35 | $7,212 | $86,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $998.61 | $4,327 | $51,928 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.74 | $2,885 | $34,618 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lawrence) | $41.61 |
| 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 Lawrence, IN earn a median of $86,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.94% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $90,429.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.61/hr = $51,928/year (purchasing power: $56,876).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,546/year (purchasing power: $94,793).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.61/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lawrence (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lawrence grew 13.7% from $34.86/hr (2020) to $39.65/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.66/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
The earning potential for dental hygienists working part-time in Lawrence can mean about $55,215 annually compared to their full-time counterparts, who would average a significantly higher total. For those seeking per diem or temporary assignments, rates typically fall between $40 and $60 per hour, heavily influenced by demand and geographical factors. Hygienists earn different hourly rates depending on their employer; for instance, professionals in multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), like Heartland or Aspen, may see differing pay structures. This variance often reflects the benefits package offered, where some hygienists might opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance, while others prioritize higher wages even if that means foregoing benefits. For those negotiating their dental hygienist hourly rate in Lawrence, emphasizing your experience and flexibility can be key, particularly in a job market increasingly influenced by consolidation trends in dental practices.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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