Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $57.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Mountlake Terrace, WA runs $57.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Mountlake Terrace's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,664 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mountlake Terrace, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $57.42 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive rate benefits both part-time employees and per-diem workers operating in various environments, such as general dentistry offices, periodontal specialty suites, and clinics. The hourly wage varies within the local market, with entry-level positions starting around $47.81 per hour and seasoned professionals earning as much as $71.14 per hour. Such an hourly rate translates well for those working three days a week, allowing for a balanced income while possibly maintaining other commitments. It opens pathways to diverse settings like pediatric and public health clinics or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), with their respective pay structures reflecting this favorable rate.
About the Mountlake Terrace Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($123,942) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.81 | $382.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.87 | $407.00 |
| Median (P50) | $57.42 | $459.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.91 | $503.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.14 | $569.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountlake Terrace
Based on $57.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.42/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountlake Terrace, WA can expect to earn approximately $119,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,908. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mountlake Terrace.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountlake Terrace
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,296.93 | $9,953 | $119,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,378.16 | $5,972 | $71,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.77 | $3,981 | $47,776 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Mountlake Terrace) | $57.42 |
| 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 Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $119,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.03% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $128,989.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.42/hr = $71,664/year (purchasing power: $66,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,440/year (purchasing power: $111,211).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.42/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Mountlake Terrace (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Mountlake Terrace grew 25.0% from $43.78/hr (2020) to $54.72/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.26/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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace
In terms of financial implications, part-time dental hygienists working a 3-day week in Mountlake Terrace can expect to bring home considerably less annually compared to full-time counterparts who enjoy the steady benefits that come with full employment. For those seeking greater flexibility, per diem dental hygienist pay in Mountlake Terrace typically aligns closely with the hourly median, and while temp agencies may offer $40-60 per hour, higher-cost cities often push these rates up to $60-85. Hourly compensation varies significantly across employer types; solo practices might pay less than DSOs which offer structured pay scales and benefits. For many, accepting lower hourly rates with benefits can be a trade-off, especially in a market driven by the DSO consolidation. When negotiating, it’s crucial for dental hygienists to consider the complete compensation package, weighing both hourly pay and available benefits in their individual circumstances.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Mountlake Terrace in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Mountlake Terrace?
Are dental hygienists in Mountlake Terrace paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Mountlake Terrace?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Mountlake Terrace?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Mountlake Terrace. 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 Mountlake Terrace 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