Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $57.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Centennial, CO runs $57.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,280 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $57.92, dental hygienists in Centennial, Colorado, earn significantly more than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This salary reflects a competitive environment for both full-time and part-time professionals within various settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and public health mobile units. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial earnings potential, benefiting those who prefer flexible schedules. The range for entry-level positions starts at about $42.11 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $78.57 in more specialized practices, highlighting the diverse opportunities for dental hygienists in the region.
About the Centennial 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) | $42.11 | $336.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.50 | $379.97 |
| Median (P50) | $57.92 | $463.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.02 | $504.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.57 | $628.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $57.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.92/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $120,466 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,500. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,316.66 | $10,039 | $120,466 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,389.99 | $6,023 | $72,280 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $926.66 | $4,016 | $48,186 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Centennial) | $57.92 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $120,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.03% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.30% above the Colorado state average of $115,506.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.92/hr = $72,280/year (purchasing power: $68,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,466/year (purchasing power: $114,730).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.92/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Centennial (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Centennial grew 26.8% from $43.54/hr (2020) to $55.19/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.78/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
Part-time dental hygienists in Centennial earning for 24 hours a week would take home approximately $72,083 annually, which can be compared to a full-time income for those willing to work a standard 40-hour week. Per diem and agency positions, though less common than traditional roles, can offer varying hourly rates, typically $40 to $60, influenced by local demand and cost of living. Interestingly, those in high-cost areas may find rates climbing to $60-$85 per hour, although these travel contracts are rare compared to nursing. Furthermore, hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer. For example, solo practices may pay less than larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often provide additional benefits like health insurance—a deciding factor for many when weighing compensation. When negotiating for a dental hygienist hourly rate in Centennial, it’s wise to assess the package as a whole, balancing hourly pay against benefits like healthcare, which can impact overall job satisfaction and financial health.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Centennial in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Centennial?
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How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Centennial?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Centennial?
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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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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