Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wasilla, AK: $48.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wasilla, AK runs $48.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,976 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wasilla's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,584 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wasilla, Alaska, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $48.55, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time workers, typically those pursuing three-day-a-week schedules within various settings, such as general dental offices, pediatric clinics, or public health mobile units. The hourly wage range for dental hygienists in Wasilla spans from $40.25 at the 10th percentile to $58.20 for the top earners, illustrating the financial opportunities available to both entry-level and experienced professionals in the area. These figures are derived from annual salary data but provide a clear view of the earning potential in hourly terms, meeting the needs for flexible work arrangements.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($129,839) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.25 | $322.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.83 | $334.63 |
| Median (P50) | $48.55 | $388.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.09 | $416.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.20 | $465.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wasilla
Based on $48.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.55/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wasilla, AK can expect to earn approximately $100,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,254. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wasilla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wasilla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,941.81 | $8,415 | $100,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.09 | $5,049 | $60,584 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $776.72 | $3,366 | $40,390 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wasilla) | $48.55 |
| 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 Wasilla, AK earn a median of $100,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $109,282.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.55/hr = $60,584/year (purchasing power: $57,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,974/year (purchasing power: $95,169).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.55/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+-2.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wasilla (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wasilla grew -11.5% from $52.28/hr (2020) to $46.26/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.94/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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that a dental hygienist working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could bring home a respectable annual income, while full-time counterparts generally enjoy more substantial earnings. In addition, per diem dental hygienist pay in Wasilla can vary significantly depending on the employer type. Positions in private practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may offer different compensation structures compared to specialty clinics or public health departments. Some dental hygienists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others may pursue higher pay without benefits. During negotiations, it's wise for dental hygienists to emphasize their skills and the value they bring, especially in an evolving job market spurred by increasing consolidation in the industry, driven by companies such as Heartland and Aspen Dental. Understanding these dynamics can help hygienists maximize their hourly earnings while navigating the diverse employment options available in Wasilla.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wasilla in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wasilla?
Are dental hygienists in Wasilla paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Wasilla?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Wasilla?
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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 Wasilla. 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 Wasilla 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