Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $43.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lorain, OH runs $43.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,827 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $43.13, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. For professionals working part-time, such as those who may take on shifts three days a week, this translates to a substantial yet variable income depending on hours worked. In Lorain's diverse work environment—ranging from general dentistry operatories to pediatric exam rooms and public health clinics—entry-level wages can start around $31.50 per hour while top earners may make as much as $53.96. It's essential to acknowledge that these figures are derived from projected annual salaries, demonstrating significant potential for both full-time and per-diem dental hygienists navigating various practice settings.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($86,075) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.50 | $252.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.97 | $303.74 |
| Median (P50) | $43.13 | $345.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.11 | $376.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.96 | $431.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $43.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.13/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $89,711 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,756. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,725.21 | $7,476 | $89,711 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.13 | $4,486 | $53,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.09 | $2,990 | $35,884 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lorain) | $43.13 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $89,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $88,730.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.13/hr = $53,827/year (purchasing power: $59,346).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,711/year (purchasing power: $98,910).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.13/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lorain (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lorain grew 21.8% from $33.73/hr (2020) to $41.10/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.26/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
For those considering part-time roles, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could see a yearly take-home amount significantly less than those engaged full-time, particularly when factoring in benefits that might be offered by full-time positions. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Lorain can vary widely, with some agency positions offering rates around $40-$60 per hour, while opportunities in high-cost areas may push rates even higher. Within Lorain, dental hygienists’ pay can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer—solo practices may offer less than larger Dental Service Organizations, which are increasingly shaping local salary structures with competitive wages and benefits. As you negotiate your hourly rate, understand the trade-offs: a higher rate may come with fewer benefits, which can be compelling in a market like Lorain, where employment options are diverse yet can differ significantly in compensation and support.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lorain in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lorain?
Are dental hygienists in Lorain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lorain?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lorain?
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Career Resources
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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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