Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $57.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Tukwila, WA runs $57.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,559 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, dental hygienists earn a competitive median hourly pay of $57.34, significantly above the national median of $49.49. This higher hourly rate reflects the growing demand for dental hygienists in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. With an hourly range stretching from $47.59 for entry-level positions to $68.89 for top earners, there's potential for both part-time and per-diem workers to earn a substantial income. Part-time hygienists working three days a week can expect to earn a robust wage, making this profession appealing for those balancing other commitments while still providing quality dental care.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.59 | $380.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.40 | $395.16 |
| Median (P50) | $57.34 | $458.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.49 | $491.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.89 | $551.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $57.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.34/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $119,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,807. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,293.57 | $9,939 | $119,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,376.14 | $5,963 | $71,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $917.43 | $3,976 | $47,706 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Tukwila) | $57.34 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $119,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.85% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $129,068.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.34/hr = $71,559/year (purchasing power: $66,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,266/year (purchasing power: $111,048).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.34/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Tukwila (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Tukwila grew 25.0% from $43.71/hr (2020) to $54.64/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.17/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Exploring part-time opportunities, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week can take home a rewarding income annually, despite working fewer hours compared to full-time peers. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Tukwila typically hovers between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on the specific practice and location. Opportunities with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) might offer slightly different hourly rates—often supplemented by benefits that private practices may lack. For hygienists in Tukwila, working for a solo practice or a larger group can also influence earnings. Those prioritizing hourly rate over benefits may negotiate for higher pay in exchange for a lack of health insurance. This trade-off reflects various preferences among dental hygienists, depending on their individual financial needs and career goals.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Tukwila?
Are dental hygienists in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Tukwila?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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