Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $40.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $40.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,657 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Oak Ridge, TN, earn a median hourly rate of $40.59, which falls below the national median of $49.49. This pay reflects the local economy's dynamics and offers a viable living for many in the profession. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to an annual income that can meet basic needs while allowing for a flexible schedule. The hourly compensation for dental hygienists varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $31.02 and experienced professionals earning up to $52.55. Such a range caters to a variety of work settings, including general dentistry clinics, pediatric offices, public health locations, and Dental Service Organization (DSO) chains that often include enticing perks for team members.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($83,902) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.02 | $248.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.24 | $273.94 |
| Median (P50) | $40.59 | $324.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.05 | $352.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.55 | $420.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $40.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.59/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $84,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,709. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,623.63 | $7,036 | $84,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $974.18 | $4,221 | $50,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.45 | $2,814 | $33,772 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Oak Ridge) | $40.59 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $84,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.98% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $86,068.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.59/hr = $50,657/year (purchasing power: $55,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,429/year (purchasing power: $91,970).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.59/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Oak Ridge (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Oak Ridge grew 24.2% from $31.14/hr (2020) to $38.68/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.60/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
For a dental hygienist in Oak Ridge working part-time, specifically for 24 hours a week, the annual income based on the hourly pay can make a substantial difference compared to a full-time role. Part-time workers may find themselves earning less in total yet can still benefit from a better work-life balance. Meanwhile, per diem dental hygienist pay in Oak Ridge, when sourced from temp agencies, can reach competitive rates near $40-60 an hour, significantly enhancing earning potential for those willing to take on varied assignments. Hourly rates may differ based on employer type—solo practices tend to offer lower wages compared to DSOs, which frequently provide benefits alongside a higher hourly pay but may require longer working hours. Those accepting lower hourly rates often do so for health insurance benefits. Negotiating pay can be advantageous in Oak Ridge, particularly for newly minted RDsH, where understanding the market and communicating value can lead to better offers.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Oak Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Oak Ridge?
Are dental hygienists in Oak Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Oak Ridge?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Ridge?
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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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