Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $64.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Fairfield, CA runs $64.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,360 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Fairfield, CA, earn a competitive median hourly pay of $64.39, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This attractive rate facilitates part-time work options, making it feasible for those looking to work three days a week in typical settings, such as general dental operators or specialty clinics. With an hourly pay range from $47.94 at the lower end to $82.15 for top earners, aspiring hygienists can anticipate variable earnings based on experience and location. Such rates indicate that even part-time practitioners can achieve a solid income, while per-diem workers have opportunities to maximize their earnings by working on an as-needed basis in the diverse landscape of dental practices across the region.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.94 | $383.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.70 | $429.58 |
| Median (P50) | $64.39 | $515.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.02 | $568.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.15 | $657.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $64.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.39/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,934 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,269. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,575.65 | $11,161 | $133,934 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,545.39 | $6,697 | $80,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,030.26 | $4,464 | $53,573 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Fairfield) | $64.39 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $133,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.11% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.10% above the California state average of $129,911.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.39/hr = $80,360/year (purchasing power: $71,052).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,934/year (purchasing power: $118,421).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$54.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.39/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Fairfield (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $54.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fairfield grew 12.5% from $54.54/hr (2020) to $61.36/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.57/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Looking at part-time employment for dental hygienists in Fairfield, a typical three-day workweek totaling approximately 24 hours translates into an annual income of around $75,727, substantially lower than a full-time income but still offering a comfortable living. For those considering per diem roles, agency opportunities could yield rates between $40 and $60 per hour, while traveling hygienist positions in states with higher costs of living might offer up to $85 per hour. Differences in hourly pay exist across various types of employers, with solo practices often providing stability and benefits, whereas larger DSOs like Heartland Dental or Aspen might offer lucrative sign-on bonuses and higher pay without benefits. Many dental hygienists must weigh the appeal of higher hourly wages against the need for comprehensive health insurance, making negotiation skills critical when discussing hourly contracts in the Fairfield region. Understanding employer trends and local job market dynamics can empower dental hygienists to make informed choices about their career paths in this thriving community.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Fairfield?
Are dental hygienists in Fairfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Fairfield?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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