Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Apopka, FL: $45.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Apopka, FL runs $45.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Apopka's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,852 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apopka, Florida, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $45.55, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This salary reflects the expected compensation for dental hygienists working in various settings, including general dentistry operatory rooms, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, this means a stable income even with a reduced schedule, while those seeking per diem roles can expect flexibility and the potential for varied pay. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Apopka stretches from $36.26 for entry-level positions to $60.78 for top earners, providing a spectrum of opportunities depending on experience and the type of practice. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, ensuring they align with current market trends.
About the Apopka Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($83,434) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.26 | $290.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.58 | $316.67 |
| Median (P50) | $45.55 | $364.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.20 | $393.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.78 | $486.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apopka
Based on $45.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.55/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apopka, FL can expect to earn approximately $94,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,665. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apopka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apopka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,822.18 | $7,896 | $94,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,093.31 | $4,738 | $56,852 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.87 | $3,158 | $37,901 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Apopka) | $45.55 |
| 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 Apopka, FL earn a median of $94,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.96% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.70% below the Florida state average of $96,391.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.55/hr = $56,852/year (purchasing power: $56,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,753/year (purchasing power: $94,001).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$33.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.55/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Apopka (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Apopka grew 30.8% from $33.18/hr (2020) to $43.41/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.80/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 Apopka 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 Apopka
Exploring the earning potential highlights distinct realities for part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Apopka. A hygienist working part-time, specifically three days a week for 24 hours, could expect an annual take-home pay that allows for a comfortable lifestyle, but substantially less than a full-time counterpart. In contrast, per diem or agency work offers more variability; professionals in this route might earn between $40 and $60 per hour, depending on demand and local market dynamics, although these rates can shift significantly in high-cost living areas. Moreover, hourly wages can differ across employer types in Apopka. Solo practices often provide lower rates, while Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and group practices may offer salaries that include benefits, which can be valuable for hygienists weighing higher pay against job security and health insurance options. Therefore, it is wise for dental hygienists to negotiate effectively, leveraging market data in discussions about hourly rates and benefits tailored to their individual needs and practice opportunities in the Apopka area.
More salary data for Apopka, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Apopka in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Apopka?
Are dental hygienists in Apopka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Apopka?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Apopka?
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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 Apopka. 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 Apopka 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