Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Butte, MT: $48.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Butte, MT runs $48.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,147 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Butte's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,087 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Butte, MT, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $48.15, slightly below the national median of $49.49. This hourly wage reflects the profession's versatility, catering to both full-time and part-time positions across various settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and public health initiatives. For those working part-time, especially around three days a week, this rate can offer a substantial income that aligns with the area’s cost of living index, which sits at 96.2. Entry-level salaries start at approximately $36.24 per hour, while top earners can see rates as high as $61.43. The variability in pay can also be attributed to the working environment, as dental hygienists at Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty practices may experience different pay scales compared to smaller, independent offices.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($96,011) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.24 | $289.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.92 | $335.39 |
| Median (P50) | $48.15 | $385.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.52 | $428.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.43 | $491.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Butte
Based on $48.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.15/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Butte, MT can expect to earn approximately $100,145 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,776. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Butte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Butte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,925.86 | $8,345 | $100,145 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.52 | $5,007 | $60,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.34 | $3,338 | $40,058 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Butte) | $48.15 |
| 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 Butte, MT earn a median of $100,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $103,032.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.15/hr = $60,087/year (purchasing power: $62,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,145/year (purchasing power: $104,100).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.15/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Butte (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Butte grew 25.2% from $36.64/hr (2020) to $45.88/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.52/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 Butte 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 Butte
For those considering part-time work, a dental hygienist working three days a week can expect an annual take-home income considerably lower than full-time counterparts, yet still reflective of a decent lifestyle in Butte. Many per diem roles can range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the setting and employer, which is a competitive rate compared to full-time employment when benefits are factored in. Working on a temporary or locum basis may appeal to hygienists seeking flexibility, especially as travel contracts provide different compensation opportunities. It’s crucial to understand that salaries can vary widely between various employer types, from solo practitioners to large DSOs like Heartland which often entice new graduates with sign-on bonuses. While hourly rates may be attractive, the trade-offs involving health insurance and other benefits should also weigh heavily in job decision-making. Hence, local dental hygienists are encouraged to negotiate effectively based on their experience and the specific demands of the Butte job market.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Butte in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Butte?
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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 Butte. 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 Butte 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