Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Montgomery, AL runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,090 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,862 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, the dental hygienist hourly pay averages around $30.34, a figure that is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. For those considering part-time work—typically done over three days a week—the income generated can range widely based on the number of hours and the dental setting. Typical environments for dental hygienists include general dentistry offices and pediatric exam rooms, where they might find themselves earning from $24.39 per hour at entry-level positions up to $32.63 for those reaching the higher end of the pay scale. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026, provides a detailed look at the financial landscape for dental hygiene professionals in this area, particularly for those who may also be pursuing per diem opportunities in various settings.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.39 | $195.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.67 | $237.33 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.11 | $248.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.63 | $261.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,103 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,406. With a cost-of-living index of 89.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.53 | $5,259 | $63,103 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.12 | $3,155 | $37,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.41 | $2,103 | $25,241 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Montgomery) | $30.34 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $63,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.72% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.60% below the Alabama state average of $63,471.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,862/year (purchasing power: $42,218).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,103/year (purchasing power: $70,363).
CoL index: 89.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$23.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Montgomery (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Montgomery grew 24.8% from $23.17/hr (2020) to $28.91/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.84/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
Considering part-time roles, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could generate an annual income substantially less than full-time colleagues, though the flexibility might be appealing. Pay for per diem dental hygienists in Montgomery varies, creating a contrast between agency work and stable practice positions. While most temp positions might offer more competitive rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, permanent jobs often balance lower hourly wages with benefits like health insurance. In Montgomery, compensation structures can differ greatly based on workplace types, with solo practices typically offering less than multi-doctor groups or Dental Service Organizations like Heartland and Aspen. When negotiating hourly wages, it's beneficial to consider overall compensation, including non-cash benefits. This strategic approach can help position dental hygienists favorably in Montgomery's evolving dental employment market.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Montgomery in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Montgomery?
Are dental hygienists in Montgomery paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Montgomery?
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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 Montgomery. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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