Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $40.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Monroe, LA runs $40.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,459 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.6, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,081 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Monroe, Louisiana, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $40.13 in 2026, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This discrepancy highlights the local market's dynamics and may influence both full-time and part-time seekers of this profession. For instance, dental hygienists working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, can expect to earn around $868 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule, which allows for a flexible work-life balance often sought in this field. Moreover, entry-level positions may start around $23.91, while the top earners can make up to $49.00 hourly, creating a broad earning range for those entering various settings, from general dentistry practices to specialized clinics. These figures are sourced from the BLS, ensuring they accurately represent the state of the industry in Monroe.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.91 | $191.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.10 | $304.83 |
| Median (P50) | $40.13 | $321.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.11 | $360.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.00 | $391.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $40.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.13/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $83,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,155. With a cost-of-living index of 83.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,605.16 | $6,956 | $83,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.10 | $4,173 | $50,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.06 | $2,782 | $33,387 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Monroe) | $40.13 |
| 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 Monroe, LA earn a median of $83,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.93% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.40% below the Louisiana state average of $86,396.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.13/hr = $50,081/year (purchasing power: $59,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,468/year (purchasing power: $99,846).
CoL index: 83.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.13/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Monroe (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Monroe grew 9.9% from $34.80/hr (2020) to $38.24/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.11/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Looking deeper into the dental hygiene profession in Monroe, those working on a part-time basis can anticipate an annual income that varies significantly from full-time counterparts. A dental hygienist working part-time at an average of $40.13 per hour for three days a week would take home approximately $45,344 annually, while full-time positions provide a more substantial income reflective of full-time hours. For those considering per diem opportunities, wages range from $40 to $60 per hour through temp agencies, with the possibility of even higher rates in more expensive metropolitan areas. Hourly rates may also fluctuate depending on the type of employer; solo practices might offer different compensation compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty offices. In Monroe, some hygienists may trade off lower hourly pay for the security of benefits like health insurance, a crucial consideration in this profession. When negotiating pay, understanding the local market rates and highlighting unique skills or experiences can aid in securing better compensation.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Monroe?
Are dental hygienists in Monroe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Monroe?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?
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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 Monroe. 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