Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $53.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lafayette, CO runs $53.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,080 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $53.75, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive rate can be particularly advantageous for those working part-time or in per-diem positions across various settings such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal offices, pediatric clinics, and public health initiatives. With an hourly range starting at $40.08 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $68.15 for the most experienced hygienists, the potential for earning can be substantial depending on the practitioner's skills and the employer’s nature. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data, highlighting a solid opportunity for dental hygienists looking to maximize their income based on hours worked.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($107,733) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.08 | $320.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.72 | $381.73 |
| Median (P50) | $53.75 | $430.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.45 | $459.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.15 | $545.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $53.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.75/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $111,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,500. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,150.01 | $9,317 | $111,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,290.01 | $5,590 | $67,080 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.00 | $3,727 | $44,720 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lafayette) | $53.75 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $111,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $115,493.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.75/hr = $67,080/year (purchasing power: $63,886).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,801/year (purchasing power: $106,477).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.75/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lafayette (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lafayette grew 23.9% from $41.34/hr (2020) to $51.22/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.41/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Part-time dental hygienists in Lafayette working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to take home a significantly lower annual revenue compared to their full-time counterparts, owing to fewer hours on the job. The reality for per diem dental hygienists can vary as well; while temp agencies typically offer rates between $40 to $60 per hour, more competitive markets like San Francisco or New York may see rates soaring to $60 to $85 hourly. Local hiring practices can further influence pay rates, with solo dental practices sometimes favoring lower hourly wages for stability, while larger dental service organizations may compensate better but offer fewer benefits. It's essential for dental hygienists to consider their total compensation package when evaluating job offers. When negotiating, understanding the local market and emphasizing skills or specialized training can help secure better compensation, especially in this dynamic field influenced by DSO consolidations and changing industry trends in Lafayette.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lafayette?
Are dental hygienists in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lafayette?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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