Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bedford, NH: $50.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bedford, NH runs $50.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,036 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,418 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Bedford, New Hampshire, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $50.01, slightly above the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate is advantageous for both part-time employees and per-diem workers, who typically find opportunities in general dentistry practices, pediatric specialties, and public health clinics. With an hourly range that spans from $38.63 at the entry-level to $61.85 for the highest earners, dental hygienists can align their work schedules to fit personal needs, whether working three days a week or taking on per-diem contracts. These hourly figures are indicative of projected earnings for 2026, based on data derived from BLS estimates.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($93,590) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.63 | $309.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.38 | $363.01 |
| Median (P50) | $50.01 | $400.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.73 | $437.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.85 | $494.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bedford
Based on $50.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.01/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bedford, NH can expect to earn approximately $104,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,017. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,000.58 | $8,669 | $104,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,200.35 | $5,201 | $62,418 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.23 | $3,468 | $41,612 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bedford) | $50.01 |
| 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 Bedford, NH earn a median of $104,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $110,442.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.01/hr = $62,418/year (purchasing power: $58,171).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,030/year (purchasing power: $96,952).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$35.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.01/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bedford (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bedford grew 33.8% from $35.61/hr (2020) to $47.66/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.49/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 Bedford 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 Bedford
Considering the hourly pay dynamics, those choosing part-time work as a dental hygienist could see substantial earning potential. For a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, the take-home income significantly contrasts with full-time counterparts, opening doors to work-life balance without sacrificing financial stability. In the per-diem market, practitioners may earn between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on their employer, with higher rates seen in larger cities like Boston. Daily rates can fluctuate significantly based on whether the hygienist is employed in a solo practice, a larger group, or a Dental Service Organization (DSO). For many professionals, the decision to accept a lower hourly rate might be influenced by benefits such as health insurance, which can be a crucial factor in this profession. Negotiating effectively, especially with a clear understanding of hourly averages in Bedford and prevailing compensation trends, is essential for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bedford?
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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 Bedford. 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 Bedford 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