Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Omaha, NE: $47.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Omaha, NE runs $47.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Omaha's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,288 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Omaha, Nebraska, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay in 2026 is $47.51, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This figure offers valuable insight for both full-time and part-time dental hygienists working across various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, public health clinics, and pediatric practices. For part-time hygienists, particularly those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a meaningful income, indicating a supportive environment for work-life balance. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $38.09 per hour, while experienced hygienists may command up to $49.48—indicating a healthy range of earning potential in Omaha's dental market, as supported by 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.09 | $304.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.25 | $369.98 |
| Median (P50) | $47.51 | $380.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.59 | $388.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.48 | $395.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Omaha
Based on $47.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.51/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Omaha, NE can expect to earn approximately $98,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,008. With a cost-of-living index of 91.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Omaha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Omaha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.25 | $8,234 | $98,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.15 | $4,941 | $59,288 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.10 | $3,294 | $39,525 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Omaha) | $47.51 |
| 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 Omaha, NE earn a median of $98,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.01% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.90% above the Nebraska state average of $94,206.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.51/hr = $59,288/year (purchasing power: $64,506).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,813/year (purchasing power: $107,510).
CoL index: 91.911 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.51/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Omaha (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Omaha grew 27.8% from $35.42/hr (2020) to $45.27/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.85/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 Omaha 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 Omaha
Focusing on the earnings structure in Omaha reveals intriguing opportunities and challenges, especially for part-time dental hygienists. A professional working 24 hours a week could still take home a competitive annual income while enjoying flexible hours. On the per diem side, agency-hired hygienists may find varying rates that adjust based on demand, with some earning between $40-$60 per hour. While larger metropolitan areas might offer rates climbing into the $60-$85 range, travel contracts remain less frequent in this field compared to nursing. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on whether a hygienist works in a solo practice, a multi-doctor setup, or a large Dental Service Organization, with some groups offering additional health benefits as a trade-off against higher hourly pay. For those negotiating their hourly wage, emphasizing experience, proficiency with technology, and willingness to work flexible shifts can prove beneficial, especially within Omaha's evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
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 Omaha. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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