Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Marion, IA: $41.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Marion, IA runs $41.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Marion, Iowa, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $41.28, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This differential may impact those considering part-time positions or per-diem work in various settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, or public health clinics. Entry-level dental hygienists typically start at an hourly rate of about $31.83, while more experienced hygienists can earn up to $50.95 per hour. For hygienists working three days a week, there’s an opportunity for a flexible schedule, allowing them to balance work with personal commitments while still enjoying a steady pay rate, albeit below the national standard.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($85,185) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.83 | $254.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.93 | $279.48 |
| Median (P50) | $41.28 | $330.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.92 | $359.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.95 | $407.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $41.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.28/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, IA can expect to earn approximately $85,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,540. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.34 | $7,156 | $85,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.80 | $4,293 | $51,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.53 | $2,862 | $34,348 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Marion) | $41.28 |
| 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 Marion, IA earn a median of $85,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.59% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $87,348.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.28/hr = $51,522/year (purchasing power: $56,993).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,869/year (purchasing power: $94,988).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.28/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Marion (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Marion grew 13.0% from $34.82/hr (2020) to $39.34/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.32/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 Marion 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 Marion
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time hygienists reveals that those working only 24 hours a week would bring home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. For instance, per-diem dental hygienists in Marion might see hourly offers from local temp agencies ranging from $40 to $60, but it’s not as lucrative as the rates in high-cost areas where pay can climb up to $85. Hourly rates can vary considerably by employer type; for example, those in private practices may earn less compared to those in larger Dental Service Organizations, which often provide sign-on bonuses and better benefits. Some hygienists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security, while others might prefer the higher pay of independent contracting, demonstrating a clear trade-off based on personal priorities. Additionally, for those negotiating their hourly pay in Marion, emphasizing skills, certifications, and unique experiences can lead to better compensation in this evolving market.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Marion in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Marion?
Are dental hygienists in Marion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Marion?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Marion?
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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 Marion. 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 Marion 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