Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $50.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Cambridge, MA runs $50.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,680 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $50.22, slightly above the national average hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly figure provides lucrative opportunities for both part-time employees and per-diem workers, commonly found in diverse settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal specialty clinics, pediatric practices, public health mobile clinics, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). The potential earnings for dental hygienists vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $36.41 per hour and top-tier earners making as much as $64.75 per hour. The range exemplifies how the profession caters to various skill levels while maintaining competitive rates in Cambridge's vibrant healthcare market.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.41 | $291.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.10 | $328.84 |
| Median (P50) | $50.22 | $401.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.68 | $445.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.75 | $517.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $50.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.22/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,269. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.97 | $8,706 | $104,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.38 | $5,223 | $62,680 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.59 | $3,482 | $41,787 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Cambridge) | $50.22 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $104,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $104,159.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.22/hr = $62,680/year (purchasing power: $57,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,467/year (purchasing power: $96,282).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.22/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Cambridge (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Cambridge grew 17.3% from $40.81/hr (2020) to $47.86/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.71/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Focusing on part-time work, a dental hygienist operating on a 3-day work schedule could realistically earn around $64,000 annually based on 24 hours per week, which represents a substantial income for part-time commitments when compared to full-time roles. For those exploring the per diem dental hygienist pay in Cambridge, rates from temp and agency opportunities typically range between $40 and $60 per hour, reflecting the higher cost of living in this metropolitan area. Moreover, hygienists' earnings can differ based on the type of employer, with solo practices and DSOs offering potentially varying packages that may include health benefits. Many hygienists may forgo higher hourly wages in exchange for stable salaries that provide comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans. For those considering positions in this field, understanding negotiation strategies is essential, especially in a competitive city like Cambridge, where securing benefits can be as critical as the hourly rate itself.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Cambridge?
Are dental hygienists in Cambridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Cambridge?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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