Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $41.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Rock Island, IL runs $41.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,220 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Rock Island, Illinois, is projected to be $41.45, significantly lower than the national median rate of $49.49. This hourly figure reflects a pay structure that could affect both part-time and per-diem dental hygienists working in various settings such as general dentistry, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. With an hourly range that spans from $31.20 for entry-level positions to $50.23 for the highest earners, the earning potential can vary widely. It’s essential to recognize that these rates are estimated based on annual salary data, thus providing a snapshot of expected remuneration for dental hygienists in the local market.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.20 | $249.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.01 | $296.10 |
| Median (P50) | $41.45 | $331.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.58 | $356.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.23 | $401.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $41.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.45/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $86,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,742. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,658.05 | $7,185 | $86,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $994.83 | $4,311 | $51,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.22 | $2,874 | $34,487 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Rock Island) | $41.45 |
| 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 Rock Island, IL earn a median of $86,220 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $85,029.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.45/hr = $51,731/year (purchasing power: $53,276).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,219/year (purchasing power: $88,794).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.45/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Rock Island (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rock Island grew 11.8% from $35.33/hr (2020) to $39.50/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.50/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Exploring part-time work, a dental hygienist in Rock Island who opts for a three-day work week, or 24 hours, can expect to generate a gross income of approximately $55,776 annually, which contrasts sharply with a full-time hygienist pulling in more. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Rock Island typically ranges from $40 to $60 per hour, especially when taking temporary assignments through agencies. While large metropolitan areas entice travel hygienists with higher pay rates, local opportunities generally stem from a mix of solo practices and larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen Dental. However, many hygienists face trade-offs between higher hourly wages and the benefits of full-time positions, which often include health insurance. Negotiating for hourly pay in Rock Island can be strategic, emphasizing specific skill sets and experience while remaining aware that factors like benefits can enhance overall compensation even if the hourly rate is lower.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Rock Island in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Rock Island?
Are dental hygienists in Rock Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Rock Island?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Rock Island?
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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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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