Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Hillsboro, OR: $63.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Hillsboro, OR runs $63.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,122 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Hillsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,273 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hillsboro, Oregon, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected at $63.52 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. For dental hygienists working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, this translates to a substantial income—especially as many operate in general dentistry settings, specialty clinics, or even mobile public health positions. The hourly range for this profession varies widely, with entry-level positions earning approximately $47.47 while top earners can take home as much as $81.29 per hour. This notable hourly rate has implications for both full-time and per diem dental hygienists in Hillsboro, indicating a robust market for skilled practitioners in a region where healthcare demand continues to grow.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($116,344) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.47 | $379.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.11 | $424.88 |
| Median (P50) | $63.52 | $508.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.20 | $561.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.29 | $650.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hillsboro
Based on $63.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hillsboro, OR can expect to earn approximately $132,122 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,224. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hillsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hillsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,540.81 | $11,010 | $132,122 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,524.48 | $6,606 | $79,273 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,016.32 | $4,404 | $52,849 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Hillsboro) | $63.52 |
| 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 Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $132,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.34% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 9.20% above the Oregon state average of $120,990.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.52/hr = $79,273/year (purchasing power: $77,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,122/year (purchasing power: $128,774).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+53.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Hillsboro (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hillsboro grew 39.3% from $43.44/hr (2020) to $60.53/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.66/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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
When considering the earning dynamics, a dental hygienist working three days a week can expect a take-home equivalent to a full-time employee, depending on their hourly commitment and individual arrangement. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Hillsboro can vary; while local agencies might start at $40 to $60 per hour, some metropolitan areas can see this number rise significantly to $60 to $85, particularly in high-cost living cities. Additionally, earnings differ based on employer types: solo practices, multi-doctor groups, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often present differing hourly rates. Some hygienists are willing to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize maximizing hourly pay, even if that means forgoing benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Hillsboro, understanding the unique compensation structures and benefits options available is vital in securing a deal that aligns with their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Hillsboro in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Hillsboro?
Are dental hygienists in Hillsboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Hillsboro?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Hillsboro?
Related Pages
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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 Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro 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