Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lompoc, CA: $61.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lompoc, CA runs $61.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lompoc's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,138 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lompoc, California, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at an impressive $61.81, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This attractive rate opens doors for both part-time and per diem workers in various settings, including general dentistry offices, specialty suites, and public health clinics. With hourly earnings ranging from $48.38 at entry-level positions to a peak of $74.91 for top earners, dental hygienists in Lompoc benefit from a vibrant employment market. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this essential healthcare field.
About the Lompoc Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.38 | $387.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.80 | $422.36 |
| Median (P50) | $61.81 | $494.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.47 | $531.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.91 | $599.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lompoc
Based on $61.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.81/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lompoc, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,172. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lompoc.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lompoc
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,472.39 | $10,714 | $128,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,483.43 | $6,428 | $77,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.95 | $4,285 | $51,426 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lompoc) | $61.81 |
| 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 Lompoc, CA earn a median of $128,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.88% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,852.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.81/hr = $77,138/year (purchasing power: $68,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,564/year (purchasing power: $113,673).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.81/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lompoc (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lompoc grew 12.5% from $52.34/hr (2020) to $58.90/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.86/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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc
Part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can still see substantial take-home earnings, although they may earn less annually than their full-time counterparts. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Lompoc often varies, with agency roles potentially offering $40-60 per hour depending on demand and location. However, in high-cost living areas, rates can surge to $60-85. Hourly rates also fluctuate based on employer types; for instance, solo practices may provide lower wages compared to Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that often lure talent with additional incentives like sign-on bonuses. Those seeking a balance between job security and hourly pay may choose to accept lower rates for positions that offer benefits, whereas independent contractors might pursue higher hourly rates without such perks. For Lompoc dental hygienists negotiating their salaries, being aware of industry standards and employer benefits will be essential to maximizing their potential earnings.
More salary data for Lompoc, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lompoc in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Lompoc?
Are dental hygienists in Lompoc paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Lompoc?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Lompoc?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lompoc. 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 Lompoc 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