Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wildwood, MO: $43.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wildwood, MO runs $43.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,604 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wildwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,761 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wildwood, Missouri, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $43.08, significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate positions local dental hygienists well for various working circumstances, including part-time roles typically spanning three days a week or per-diem opportunities often available in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. With an established hourly range from $33.85 at the entry-level to $52.42 for more experienced professionals, dental hygienists in Wildwood can expect to earn a competitive wage within the context of their region, primarily relying on these estimated figures derived from the annual salary data.
About the Wildwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,161) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.85 | $270.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.94 | $295.51 |
| Median (P50) | $43.08 | $344.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.43 | $371.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.42 | $419.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wildwood
Based on $43.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.08/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wildwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $89,602 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,693. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wildwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wildwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,723.11 | $7,467 | $89,602 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.87 | $4,480 | $53,761 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $689.25 | $2,987 | $35,841 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wildwood) | $43.08 |
| 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 Wildwood, MO earn a median of $89,604 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.96% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $90,327.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.08/hr = $53,761/year (purchasing power: $60,001).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,602/year (purchasing power: $100,002).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.08/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wildwood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wildwood grew 25.2% from $32.80/hr (2020) to $41.05/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.21/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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
When considering the practical take-home earnings, a part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours a week would realize substantial annual income compared to those in full-time positions, potentially enjoying more flexibility while still earning a respectable wage. Furthermore, per diem dental hygienist pay in Wildwood can vary as temp agencies often compensate registered dental hygienists $40-$60 per hour, compared to opportunities in high-cost-of-living areas that can demand rates upwards of $60-$85 per hour. The differences in compensation are often influenced by the type of employer—whether one is working in a solo practice, a group practice, or a Dental Service Organization (DSO)—with many higher-paying positions offering fewer benefits. While negotiating hourly pay, dental hygienists in Wildwood should be prepared to discuss their value and consider the balance of pay versus benefits, particularly when assessing opportunities within structured corporate practices like Heartland or Aspen versus independent offices.
More salary data for Wildwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wildwood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wildwood?
Are dental hygienists in Wildwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Wildwood?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Wildwood?
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 Wildwood. 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 Wildwood 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