Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IN: $43.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bloomington, IN runs $43.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.1, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,324 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, Indiana, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be around $43.53 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly wage significantly influences the income potential for part-time or per-diem dental hygienists, who might work three days a week in settings like general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and pediatric exam rooms. For those just starting their careers or operating at entry-level positions, the pay can start at approximately $32.35, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $49.11 per hour. This range represents official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting trends in the local market.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.35 | $258.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.99 | $319.94 |
| Median (P50) | $43.53 | $348.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.07 | $384.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.11 | $392.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $43.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IN can expect to earn approximately $90,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,235. With a cost-of-living index of 95.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,741.16 | $7,545 | $90,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,044.70 | $4,527 | $54,324 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $696.47 | $3,018 | $36,216 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Bloomington) | $43.53 |
| 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 Bloomington, IN earn a median of $90,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $90,452.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.53/hr = $54,324/year (purchasing power: $57,133).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,541/year (purchasing power: $95,222).
CoL index: 95.084 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$38.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bloomington (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bloomington grew 7.2% from $38.70/hr (2020) to $41.48/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.68/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
For dental hygienists working part-time at 24 hours a week, the situation allows for considerable income flexibility. This schedule leads to a different annual earnings picture compared to full-time employees, making the average take-home potentially lower but still appealing to many who prefer a balanced work-life approach. On the other hand, per diem dental hygienists operating through temp agencies can expect even more variable compensation, earning anywhere from approximately $40 to $60 per hour based on demand and location. In Bloomington, hourly rates can vary widely depending on the employer type, with solo practices often offering lower pay compared to larger multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), where benefits, such as health insurance, are more likely included in lower hourly rates. Hygienists may find it beneficial to weigh the security of a steady paycheck against the allure of higher earnings without benefits when negotiating their pay. Understanding the local market and being informed about pricing structures is key for dental hygienists looking to maximize their hourly pay while navigating the evolving employment landscape in Bloomington, IN.
More salary data for Bloomington, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bloomington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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