Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Greeley, CO: $55.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Greeley, CO runs $55.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Greeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,307 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Greeley, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists is $55.53, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate reflects both the demand for dental hygienists in the area and the competitive nature of the profession. For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, the hourly earnings can translate well into a sustainable income. Working three days a week could result in a solid paycheck while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay range for dental hygienists in Greeley varies from $36.47 for entry-level positions to $61.18 for top earners, offering a broad spectrum of earning potential across different settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.47 | $291.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.64 | $309.11 |
| Median (P50) | $55.53 | $444.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.34 | $482.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.18 | $489.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greeley
Based on $55.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.53/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greeley, CO can expect to earn approximately $115,511 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,641. With a cost-of-living index of 100.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Greeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,221.37 | $9,626 | $115,511 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,332.82 | $5,776 | $69,307 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $888.55 | $3,850 | $46,204 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Greeley) | $55.53 |
| 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 Greeley, CO earn a median of $115,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.21% higher than the national median of $102,946.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.53/hr = $69,307/year (purchasing power: $69,185).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,511/year (purchasing power: $115,308).
CoL index: 100.176 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.53/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Greeley (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Greeley grew 30.0% from $40.72/hr (2020) to $52.92/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.28/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 Greeley 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 Greeley
For those working part-time, the potential annual income for a dental hygienist clocking in just 24 hours a week can reach significant figures, albeit lower than their full-time counterparts. Many hygienists seeking per diem roles may find pay rates of $40-$60 per hour through temp agencies, but this can vary sharply based on location and demand. Interestingly, those working in higher-cost living areas might command rates as high as $60-$85 per hour. In Greeley, compensation can also differ greatly depending on the type of employer—whether it's a solo practice, a multi-doctor practice, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Pacific Dental, or specialized offices. Those who prioritize benefits, such as health insurance, might accept lower hourly wages while others seek higher pay without the safety net of benefits, reflecting individual priorities. Finally, for dental hygienists in Greeley negotiating their hourly pay, understanding the local market and clearly conveying their skill sets can be essential strategies for achieving optimal compensation.
More salary data for Greeley, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Greeley in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Greeley?
Are dental hygienists in Greeley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Greeley?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Greeley?
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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 Greeley. 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