Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Syracuse, NY: $47.24 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Syracuse, NY runs $47.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Syracuse's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,960 per year.

$98,266
Median Annual Salary
$47.24/hr
Hourly Rate
$83,595
Entry Level (P10)
$107,836
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Syracuse, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Syracuse, NY dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Syracuse, NY, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $47.24, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49 for this occupation. This hourly rate offers various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work within diverse dental settings such as private practices, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For instance, dental hygienists working three days a week might complete around 24 hours and earn an income that accommodates both lifestyle needs and job flexibility. The hourly pay range in this region runs from $40.19 at the entry level to $51.85 for top earners, highlighting a healthy earning potential based on experience and specialized skills, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$40.19$321.54
Lower Range (P25)$41.55$332.37
Median (P50)$47.24$377.95
Upper Range (P75)$49.58$396.67
Top Earners (P90)$51.85$414.81

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Syracuse

Based on $47.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Syracuse earning $47.24/hr would make approximately $56,693 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $98,267 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$56,693Reduced (32 hr/wk)$75,590Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$98,267

At $47.24/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Syracuse, NY can expect to earn approximately $98,267 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,693. With a cost-of-living index of 95.74 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Syracuse.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$377.95
per 8hr shift
$1,889.76
per week
$8,189
per month
$98,267
per year

Schedule Comparison in Syracuse

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,889.76$8,189$98,267
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,133.86$4,913$58,960
Per Diem (16 hrs)$755.90$3,276$39,307

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Syracuse)$47.24
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Syracuse ($98,266) and the US national median ($102,946).Syracuse$98,266US National$102,946-4.55%

Dental Hygienists in Syracuse, NY earn a median of $98,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.55% lower than the national median of $102,946.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $47.24/hr = $58,960/year (purchasing power: $61,583).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,267/year (purchasing power: $102,638).

CoL index: 95.742 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2020 BLS Actual

$35.56/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$45.02/hr

2026 Current Est.

$47.24/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+39.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Syracuse (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Syracuse. Baseline $35.56/hr in 2025, projected to $49.58/hr by 2027.$33$38$43$47$52202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.56$37.10$37.82$40.90$40.56$45.02$47.24$49.58
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$35.56/hrActual
2021$37.10/hrActual
2022$37.82/hrActual
2023$40.90/hrActual
2024$40.56/hrActual
2025$45.02/hrActual
2026(current)$47.24/hrEstimated
2027$49.58/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Syracuse grew 26.6% from $35.56/hr (2020) to $45.02/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Syracuse

For those considering a part-time position, earning potential can vary significantly. A dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $66,000 annually, showcasing an attractive option compared to full-time roles. Per diem dental hygienists in Syracuse generally see pay between $40 to $60 an hour, depending on experience and employment type. Factors such as employer type also play a critical role; hygienists in solo practices might earn less than those in large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). While some choose to accept lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance and job stability, others may negotiate higher wages at organizations that offer fewer benefits. Understanding these dynamics can significantly empower dental hygienists in Syracuse when discussing their compensation package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Syracuse in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Syracuse is $47.24/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $40.19 at entry level (10th percentile) to $51.85 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 4.5% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Syracuse?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Syracuse earns approximately $4,913/month, or $58,960/year at the median hourly rate of $47.24. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Syracuse paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Syracuse are paid hourly at a median rate of $47.24/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $98,267/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Syracuse?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Syracuse earns approximately $98,267/year at the median hourly rate of $47.24. This is 4.5% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $107,850/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Syracuse?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Syracuse sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $51.85/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Syracuse. 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

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