Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Los Alamos, NM: $43.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Los Alamos, NM runs $43.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,570 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Los Alamos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,748 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Los Alamos, NM, is projected to be $43.07, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This disparity highlights the local market's dynamics and the impact of the cost of living, which is below the national average. For professionals in flexible work arrangements, such as part-time employees working three days a week, this rate translates to a significant income opportunity. Those pursuing per diem positions, common in diverse settings like general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics, may find hourly wages ranging from $35.35 for entry-level roles to $52.99 for top earners. The variability reflects both skill level and specific job requirements, with the hourly rates derived from annual salary data providing a useful framework for understanding income potential across the profession.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($94,603) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.35 | $282.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.93 | $303.40 |
| Median (P50) | $43.07 | $344.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.96 | $375.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.99 | $423.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Alamos
Based on $43.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.07/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Alamos, NM can expect to earn approximately $89,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,681. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Los Alamos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Alamos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,722.70 | $7,465 | $89,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.62 | $4,479 | $53,748 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $689.08 | $2,986 | $35,832 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Los Alamos) | $43.07 |
| 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 Los Alamos, NM earn a median of $89,570 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.80% below the New Mexico state average of $97,148.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.07/hr = $53,748/year (purchasing power: $56,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,580/year (purchasing power: $94,894).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.07/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Los Alamos (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Los Alamos grew 13.9% from $36.03/hr (2020) to $41.04/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.19/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 Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos
When considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a dental hygienist in Los Alamos working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,877 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart who could earn approximately $89,570. The reality for per diem dental hygienists in Los Alamos is compelling; temp agencies typically offer pay between $40-$60 per hour, although rates in high-cost areas like San Francisco or New York City can escalate to $60-$85 per hour. Hourly earnings also fluctuate depending on employer type; for example, multi-doctor dental practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often provide more comprehensive compensation packages that might include benefits, albeit at a lower hourly rate, creating trade-offs for workers. Additionally, negotiating wages can be particularly crucial for dental hygienists, especially in an evolving market, where highlighting skills or certifications from ADHA or ADA CODA-accredited programs can help secure better pay in Los Alamos.
More salary data for Los Alamos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Los Alamos in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Los Alamos?
Are dental hygienists in Los Alamos paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Los Alamos?
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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 Los Alamos. 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 Los Alamos 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