Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $47.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wichita, KS runs $47.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,794 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,877 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wichita, Kansas, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $47.98, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49 for this profession. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time dental hygienists, particularly for those working around three days a week in various settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, or public health mobile units. The hourly wage range spans from about $34.36 for entry-level professionals to $64.32 for those at the top of their earning potential, showcasing the opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field. It's essential to understand that these figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, translating the broader compensation context into more manageable hourly rates.
About the Wichita Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,322) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.36 | $274.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.14 | $313.14 |
| Median (P50) | $47.98 | $383.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.50 | $435.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.32 | $514.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $47.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.98/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $99,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,574. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,919.14 | $8,316 | $99,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.49 | $4,990 | $59,877 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.66 | $3,327 | $39,918 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wichita) | $47.98 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $99,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.60% above the Kansas state average of $93,615.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.98/hr = $59,877/year (purchasing power: $65,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,795/year (purchasing power: $109,786).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.98/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+51.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wichita (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wichita grew 37.2% from $33.32/hr (2020) to $45.72/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.35/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
For part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours a week, the financial implications can be substantial. Their earnings would equate to around $49,258 annually, a figure which can vary significantly compared to full-time counterparts who work 40 hours per week. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Wichita can vary based on the setting and employer; while some might earn between $40 to $60 an hour through temp agencies, those in more competitive markets like San Francisco or New York can command considerably higher rates. In Wichita, the type of practice influences pay rates, with solo practices offering potentially lower but stable pay, whereas Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may provide higher wages alongside benefits, like health insurance. Career professionals should feel empowered to negotiate their hourly pay, especially considering the diversity of environments and roles in the dental hygiene sector, which often determine the extent of overall compensation.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wichita in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wichita?
Are dental hygienists in Wichita paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Wichita?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. 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 Wichita 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