Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $66.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Anchorage, AK runs $66.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,582 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Anchorage, Alaska, the dental hygienist hourly pay is set at a median of $66.97, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This rate indicates strong earning potential for both full-time and part-time positions in diverse settings, such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal suites, and pediatric clinics. For hygienists working three days a week, the hourly wage translates into a viable income, particularly when considering the city's cost of living index of 105.42, which is somewhat above the national average. The hourly range in Anchorage extends from $30.57 for entry-level positions up to $70.60 for those at the top of the pay scale, providing a range of opportunities for dental professionals who either seek permanent roles or opt for flexible, per-diem positions that multiple employers might offer.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.57 | $244.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.76 | $526.04 |
| Median (P50) | $66.97 | $535.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.59 | $556.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.60 | $564.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $66.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.97/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $139,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,367. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,678.91 | $11,609 | $139,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,607.34 | $6,965 | $83,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,071.56 | $4,643 | $55,721 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Anchorage) | $66.97 |
| 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 Anchorage, AK earn a median of $139,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.31% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 27.50% above the Alaska state average of $109,253.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.97/hr = $83,582/year (purchasing power: $79,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,303/year (purchasing power: $132,141).
CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$56.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.97/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+24.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Anchorage (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $56.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Anchorage grew 13.4% from $56.30/hr (2020) to $63.82/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.28/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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage
When it comes to practical earning scenarios, a dental hygienist working part-time at a three-day-per-week schedule can still achieve a commendable income, estimated in some cases to exceed $81,000 annually, compared to a full-time equivalent at the median level. In the realm of per diem dental hygienist pay in Anchorage, flexible roles can yield hourly rates that vary widely; while some temp agencies pay rates of $40 to $60 per hour, locations in high-cost areas tend to rise significantly, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market. Employment settings can greatly affect earning potential; for instance, solo dental practices may offer lower rates than larger multi-doctor practices or DSOs like Heartland Dental and Aspen. With many hygienists also weighing the choice between higher pay without benefits versus lower pay with comprehensive health coverage, effective negotiation becomes essential in a city like Anchorage. Understanding the nuances between employer types and discussing compensation openly can help dental hygienists secure the pay they deserve while aligning with their career objectives.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Anchorage in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Anchorage?
Are dental hygienists in Anchorage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Anchorage?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Anchorage?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
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 Anchorage. 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