Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $41.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lafayette, LA runs $41.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,574 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $41.33, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.49. This disparity in pay reflects the local market conditions and cost of living, which is below the national average. For part-time workers typically clocking in about three days a week, this rate translates to an annual income that can vary based on hours worked and employer type. Depending on skill level and experience, the hourly pay can range from $24.95 for entry-level positions to as much as $48.59 for top earners in various settings, including general dentistry operatives, periodontal specialty suites, pediatric exam rooms, and public health mobile clinics. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.95 | $199.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.77 | $326.15 |
| Median (P50) | $41.33 | $330.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.17 | $369.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.59 | $388.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $41.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.33/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $85,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,590. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,653.01 | $7,163 | $85,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.81 | $4,298 | $51,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.21 | $2,865 | $34,383 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lafayette) | $41.33 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $85,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.51% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.50% below the Louisiana state average of $86,378.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.33/hr = $51,574/year (purchasing power: $59,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,957/year (purchasing power: $98,564).
CoL index: 87.209 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$40.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.33/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+6.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lafayette (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lafayette grew -3.4% from $40.77/hr (2020) to $39.38/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.37/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
When it comes to earning potential, part-time dental hygienists, working 24 hours per week, can expect a different financial outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. While a full-time position may yield a stable income, part-time roles can provide flexibility but less overall earnings. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Lafayette is generally competitive, often ranging from $40 to $60 per hour with some opportunities available in higher-cost urban environments. Different types of employers contribute to variability in wages across the region; solo practices may offer lower annual compensation, while Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) frequently offer bonuses or benefits that can attract applicants despite slightly lower hourly rates. Choosing between high hourly pay and the security of health benefits is a common consideration for many dental hygienists. For those negotiating pay, understanding the local market and highlighting relevant experiences can be critical in securing a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lafayette?
Are dental hygienists in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lafayette?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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