Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $47.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bristol, RI runs $47.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,764 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Rhode Island, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $47.09, slightly lower than the national median of $49.49. This wage reflects the typical compensation for professionals working in various settings, ranging from general dentistry operatories to public health clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, such as working three days a week, the hourly rate offers solid earning potential despite the lower work hours. Entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn around $36.98, while seasoned professionals in specialized fields may reach up to $58.57 per hour. These figures, drawn from projected 2026 data, provide a comprehensive overview of the potential income in this region.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($85,020) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.98 | $295.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.10 | $320.78 |
| Median (P50) | $47.09 | $376.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.13 | $393.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.57 | $468.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $47.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.09/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $97,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,504. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,883.46 | $8,162 | $97,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,130.08 | $4,897 | $58,764 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.39 | $3,265 | $39,176 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bristol) | $47.09 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $97,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,423.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.09/hr = $58,764/year (purchasing power: $58,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,940/year (purchasing power: $97,453).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$34.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.09/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bristol (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bristol grew 29.3% from $34.70/hr (2020) to $44.87/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.41/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When it comes to actual take-home pay, a part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Bristol varies, with many agencies offering rates between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on demand and skill level. The type of employer also impacts hourly rates, as solo practices may offer different compensation structures compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without additional perks. Negotiating effectively in Bristol can involve demonstrating value through experience or specialized skills, especially in a competitive market shaped by trends in dental hygiene practice.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bristol?
Are dental hygienists in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Bristol?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
Related Pages
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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