Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Vermillion, SD: $42.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Vermillion, SD runs $42.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Vermillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vermillion, South Dakota, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $42.43 by 2026, trailing the national median of $49.49. This hourly figure reflects the financial landscape for dental hygienists across various work settings, from general dentistry operatory roles to specialized positions in periodontal practices and pediatric offices. The typical hourly range in Vermillion spans from $35.17 at the lower end (P10) to $50.92 for top earners (P90), presenting opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers. For those on a part-time schedule of three days per week, the potential for per diem work can significantly diversify income, especially within the framework of a more flexible workplace.
About the Vermillion Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.17 | $281.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.46 | $299.71 |
| Median (P50) | $42.43 | $339.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.36 | $370.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.92 | $407.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vermillion
Based on $42.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.43/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vermillion, SD can expect to earn approximately $88,249 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,913. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vermillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vermillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,697.09 | $7,354 | $88,249 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.25 | $4,412 | $52,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.84 | $2,942 | $35,299 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Vermillion) | $42.43 |
| 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 Vermillion, SD earn a median of $88,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $95,498.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.43/hr = $52,949/year (purchasing power: $57,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,249/year (purchasing power: $95,096).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.43/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Vermillion (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Vermillion grew 21.0% from $33.42/hr (2020) to $40.43/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.52/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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Analyzing the earnings dynamics for dental hygienists in Vermillion reveals different realities based on employment types. A dental hygienist working part-time for 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually than someone in a full-time role, which could limit long-term financial stability. For those exploring the per diem dental hygienist pay in Vermillion, compensation from agencies usually ranges from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the region you are placed in. While temporary positions may offer higher hourly rates, they often lack benefits such as health insurance, leading many dental hygienists to accept lower pay in exchange for more comprehensive packages from permanent positions in multi-doctor practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). Each unique employment situation requires careful consideration; for instance, negotiating wages that balance hourly rate and benefit packages effectively is essential for achieving professional goals.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Vermillion in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Vermillion?
Are dental hygienists in Vermillion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Vermillion?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Vermillion?
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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 Vermillion. 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 Vermillion 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