Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Bennington, VT: $49.09 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Bennington, VT runs $49.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Bennington's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,265 per year.

$102,099
Median Annual Salary
$49.09/hr
Hourly Rate
$82,330
Entry Level (P10)
$123,509
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Bennington, VT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bennington, VT dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Bennington, Vermont, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $49.09 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. For professionals working part-time, such as those who operate three days a week, this rate can translate into a substantial income, especially when factoring in the variety of employment environments such as general dentistry practices, pediatric exam rooms, and independent public health clinics. For instance, the hourly pay range for dental hygienists in the area stretches from $39.58 for entry-level positions to $59.38 for the highest earners, underscoring the diverse opportunities available in Bennington. This range reflects the varying responsibilities and levels of experience required in different healthcare settings.

About the Bennington Market

Salary estimated from Vermont average ($100,950) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$39.58$316.67
Lower Range (P25)$42.55$340.43
Median (P50)$49.09$392.73
Upper Range (P75)$52.89$423.12
Top Earners (P90)$59.38$475.00

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bennington

Based on $49.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Bennington earning $49.09/hr would make approximately $58,909 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $102,109 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$58,909Reduced (32 hr/wk)$78,545Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$102,109

At $49.09/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bennington, VT can expect to earn approximately $102,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,909. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bennington.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$392.73
per 8hr shift
$1,963.64
per week
$8,509
per month
$102,109
per year

Schedule Comparison in Bennington

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,963.64$8,509$102,109
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,178.18$5,105$61,265
Per Diem (16 hrs)$785.45$3,404$40,844

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Bennington)$49.09
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Bennington ($102,099) with Vermont average ($106,575) and the US national median ($102,946).Bennington$102,099Vermont Avg$106,575-4.20%US National$102,946-0.82%

Dental Hygienists in Bennington, VT earn a median of $102,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.20% below the Vermont state average of $106,575.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $49.09/hr = $61,265/year (purchasing power: $59,194).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,109/year (purchasing power: $98,656).

CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).

2020 BLS Actual

$30.97/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$46.78/hr

2026 Current Est.

$49.09/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+66.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Bennington (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Bennington. Baseline $30.97/hr in 2025, projected to $51.52/hr by 2027.$27$34$41$48$56202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$30.97$35.68$39.32$43.83$44.13$46.78$49.09$51.52
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$30.97/hrActual
2021$35.68/hrActual
2022$39.32/hrActual
2023$43.83/hrActual
2024$44.13/hrActual
2025$46.78/hrActual
2026(current)$49.09/hrEstimated
2027$51.52/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bennington grew 51.0% from $30.97/hr (2020) to $46.78/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.52/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Bennington

When examining the benefits of part-time work as a dental hygienist in Bennington, professionals making a commitment of 24 hours a week could see an annual income that significantly lags behind their full-time counterparts due to reduced hours, yet they still enjoy flexibility. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Bennington often falls between $40 and $60 per hour, offering a good option for those who prefer temporary work without the commitment of a full-time position. However, salaries can significantly vary across employer types; solo dental practices may offer different pay rates compared to Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty practices. Additionally, some hygienists accept lower hourly pay for the benefits of steady employment like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. To negotiate effectively, understanding the local market dynamics and emphasizing one's qualifications can make a significant difference in securing favorable pay terms in this competitive field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bennington in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Bennington is $49.09/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $39.58 at entry level (10th percentile) to $59.38 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.8% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Bennington?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Bennington earns approximately $5,105/month, or $61,265/year at the median hourly rate of $49.09. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Bennington paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Bennington are paid hourly at a median rate of $49.09/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $102,109/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Bennington?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Bennington earns approximately $102,109/year at the median hourly rate of $49.09. This is 0.8% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $123,500/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Bennington?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Bennington sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $59.38/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Bennington. 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 Bennington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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