Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $42.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in University City, MO runs $42.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,434 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental hygienists in University City, Missouri, earn a median hourly rate of $42.82, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This difference may impact the decisions of those considering part-time or per-diem roles, which are common in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. With entry-level positions offering hourly pay around $33.19, and experienced individuals earning up to $51.54, the market in University City presents a diverse range of earning potential. The figures noted here are projections based on 2025 BLS data, giving an insight into what dental hygienists might expect as they explore employment opportunities in the area.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,161) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.19 | $265.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.37 | $290.98 |
| Median (P50) | $42.82 | $342.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.72 | $373.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.54 | $412.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $42.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.82/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $89,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,379. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,712.62 | $7,421 | $89,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,027.57 | $4,453 | $53,434 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $685.05 | $2,969 | $35,623 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (University City) | $42.82 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $89,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.50% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $90,310.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.82/hr = $53,434/year (purchasing power: $59,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,056/year (purchasing power: $99,393).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.82/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in University City (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in University City grew 25.2% from $32.60/hr (2020) to $40.80/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.93/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 University City 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 University City
For those considering part-time work as dental hygienists in University City, taking on a 3-day work week translating to roughly 24 hours may yield a more modest annual earnings figure when compared to full-time positions. Per diem dental hygienist pay in University City is influenced by multiple factors, including whether hygienists choose to work through temp agencies, which typically offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour. However, the financial realities shift dramatically in high-cost urban centers like San Francisco or New York, where skilled professionals may earn as much as $60 to $85 per hour. The type of employer also plays a critical role in dictating hourly rates; indeed, practices vary from solo operations to large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and specialty clinics. Many workers evaluate trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits, with some accepting lower pay in exchange for health insurance, while others seek higher hourly compensation without such perks. For negotiating a better rate, dental hygienists in University City might consider showcasing their skill set, building strong patient relationships, and understanding the current market trends relevant to their profession.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in University City?
Are dental hygienists in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in University City?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
Related Pages
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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 University City. 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 University City 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