Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $41.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Emporia, KS runs $41.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,836 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for dental hygienists in Emporia, Kansas, is projected to be $41.54, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate can be particularly attractive to those considering part-time work or per-diem options in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. For dental hygienists in Emporia, the hourly wage can range from $34.39 at entry-level positions to $51.14 for those in top-earning tiers, providing opportunities for both relatively stable income and flexibility in work hours that suits varying lifestyles.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,322) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.39 | $275.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.66 | $293.24 |
| Median (P50) | $41.54 | $332.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.43 | $363.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.14 | $409.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $41.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.54/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $86,393 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,842. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.41 | $7,199 | $86,393 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.85 | $4,320 | $51,836 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.56 | $2,880 | $34,557 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Emporia) | $41.54 |
| 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 Emporia, KS earn a median of $86,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $93,598.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.54/hr = $51,836/year (purchasing power: $57,025).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,393/year (purchasing power: $95,042).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$30.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.54/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Emporia (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Emporia grew 28.5% from $30.80/hr (2020) to $39.58/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.59/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 Emporia 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 Emporia
Exploring the financial landscape for dental hygienists reveals some interesting contrasts in part-time versus full-time earnings. A dental hygienist working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Average rates in larger metropolitan areas can climb up to $60-85/hour, making per diem opportunities in city centers notably lucrative. In Emporia, hourly rates can differ depending on the type of employer, with solo practices and DSOs offering variable compensation structures. While some dental hygienists accept a lower hourly rate for the trade-off of benefits like health insurance, others might opt for higher pay without benefits. For those in Emporia negotiating their hourly compensation, emphasizing flexibility in hours or unique skill sets can be a smart strategy to enhance overall pay.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Emporia in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Emporia?
Are dental hygienists in Emporia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Emporia?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Emporia?
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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 Emporia. 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 Emporia 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