Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $45.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in River Falls, WI runs $45.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,879 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,931 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $45.62 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate offers a substantial income for both full-time and part-time hygienists, especially those working just three days a week. Part-time work can allow for greater flexibility while still earning a commendable wage. For dental hygienists in entry-level positions, hourly rates start around $35.47, while more experienced professionals at the top of the scale can earn up to $56.45 per hour. It's worth noting that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data and reflect the competitive nature of the dental hygiene field in River Falls.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($84,362) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.47 | $283.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.38 | $323.05 |
| Median (P50) | $45.62 | $364.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.94 | $399.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.45 | $451.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $45.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.62/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $94,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,741. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,824.70 | $7,907 | $94,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,094.82 | $4,744 | $56,931 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $729.88 | $3,163 | $37,954 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (River Falls) | $45.62 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $94,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.84% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,721.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.62/hr = $56,931/year (purchasing power: $60,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,884/year (purchasing power: $101,589).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.62/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in River Falls (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in River Falls grew 35.9% from $31.98/hr (2020) to $43.47/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.87/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
Considering the part-time earning potential, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week would take home a significant annual income, albeit less than full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem positions, which are increasingly popular in the field, the pay often ranges between $40 and $60 per hour, offering flexibility at the cost of job security. Employers in River Falls, such as solo practices, multi-doctor setups, and dental service organizations (DSOs), can influence pay rates significantly, with higher compensation often found at DSOs due to added benefits like health insurance. Dental hygienists may find themselves deciding between accepting lower hourly wages with benefits versus higher pay without. Effective negotiation is essential, especially in a market where varying employer types can offer drastically different compensation levels. Understanding these nuances is key for dental hygienists navigating their careers in River Falls, ensuring they maximize both pay and benefits.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in River Falls?
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How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in River Falls?
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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 River Falls. 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 River Falls 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