Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Central Falls, RI: $45.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Central Falls, RI runs $45.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Central Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,271 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Falls, Rhode Island, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $45.89, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This figure reflects the pay scale for dental hygienists working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For those working part-time, like three days a week, the compensation can be attractive, allowing for flexibility while still bringing home a significant income. The hourly pay spans from entry-level wages of approximately $37.96 to the upper range of $54.99 for more seasoned professionals, emphasizing room for growth and advancement in the field, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
About the Central Falls Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($85,020) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.96 | $303.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.48 | $323.80 |
| Median (P50) | $45.89 | $367.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.13 | $393.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.99 | $439.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central Falls
Based on $45.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.89/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central Falls, RI can expect to earn approximately $95,452 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,068. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Central Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,835.61 | $7,954 | $95,452 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,101.37 | $4,773 | $57,271 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.24 | $3,182 | $38,181 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Central Falls) | $45.89 |
| 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 Central Falls, RI earn a median of $95,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,423.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.89/hr = $57,271/year (purchasing power: $56,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,452/year (purchasing power: $94,977).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$33.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.89/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Central Falls (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Central Falls grew 29.3% from $33.82/hr (2020) to $43.73/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.16/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 Central Falls 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 Central Falls
Examining the part-time earnings scenario, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week in Central Falls can anticipate an annual income of about $57,244, a commendable sum that allows for a balanced lifestyle. For those considering per diem work, compensation in Central Falls typically ranges between $40 and $60 per hour, making it a viable option for flexibility. When working with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), solo practices, or multi-doctor groups, dental hygienist hourly rates can vary, reflecting differing employer practices and demands for work hours. While some dental hygienists might settle for lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, others could opt for higher pay without benefits, which hinges on individual circumstances and career goals. Negotiating hourly pay is equally crucial, especially as DSO consolidation continues to reshape employment landscapes. Armed with insights from the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the local market, professionals can make informed decisions about their compensation in Central Falls, RI.
More salary data for Central Falls, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Central Falls. 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 Central Falls 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