Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $44.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wausau, WI runs $44.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,791 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,071 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $44.13 in 2026, falling below the national hourly median of $49.49. This average translates into approximately $880 per week for a 40-hour workweek, which is significant for both full-time and part-time dental hygienists. For those working three days a week, which is common in the industry, this equates to about $704 weekly. The hourly pay scale ranges from $39.18 at the entry-level to $50.37 for top earners, providing flexibility for individuals at different stages of their career. Typical workplaces for dental hygienists in Wausau include general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics, offering various opportunities for employment as per diem workers or on a full-time basis. All figures are based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.18 | $313.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.87 | $318.93 |
| Median (P50) | $44.13 | $353.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.26 | $394.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.37 | $402.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $44.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.13/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $91,785 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,953. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,765.09 | $7,649 | $91,785 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,059.05 | $4,589 | $55,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.04 | $3,059 | $36,714 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wausau) | $44.13 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $91,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.84% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 8.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $100,648.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.13/hr = $55,071/year (purchasing power: $59,439).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,785/year (purchasing power: $99,065).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$30.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.13/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+51.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wausau (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wausau grew 37.5% from $30.59/hr (2020) to $42.05/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.31/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
Given that the part-time dental hygienist hourly rate can still yield substantial earnings, a three-day work week at 24 hours results in an annual income of approximately $36,928, while full-time hygienists can expect significantly more. While the per diem dental hygienist pay in Wausau allows for earnings that can match or even exceed regular hourly wages—often ranging from $40 to $60/hour—working with temp agencies typically involves short-term contracts, offering less stability. This reality contrasts strongly with the opportunities provided by multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), where established pay structures exist. Solo practices might offer higher rates to attract talent but often do not provide comprehensive benefits. For those considering their options, it is crucial to weigh the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with health insurance. Negotiating terms based on the demand in Wausau, especially given the industry’s current trends, can result in favorable arrangements that reflect one’s skills and experience.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wausau in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wausau?
Are dental hygienists in Wausau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Wausau?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Wausau?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Wausau. 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