Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $63.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in San Rafael, CA runs $63.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,077 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $63.36, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive wage can make a substantial difference for those considering part-time work as dental hygienists—those working three days a week might realistically earn a strong income while enjoying a more flexible schedule. San Rafael also presents a wide hourly range that extends from approximately $48.51 for entry-level positions to $79.72 for seasoned professionals. This variation illustrates the potential for growth and specialization within settings such as general dental offices, pediatric clinics, and periodontal suites, as well as various public health initiatives across the region.
About the San Rafael 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) | $48.51 | $388.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.67 | $429.33 |
| Median (P50) | $63.36 | $506.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.48 | $555.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.72 | $637.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $63.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.36/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,035. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,534.51 | $10,983 | $131,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,520.71 | $6,590 | $79,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,013.80 | $4,393 | $52,718 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (San Rafael) | $63.36 |
| 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 San Rafael, CA earn a median of $131,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.03% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.50% above the California state average of $129,853.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.36/hr = $79,077/year (purchasing power: $69,918).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,795/year (purchasing power: $116,529).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$53.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.36/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in San Rafael (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $53.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in San Rafael grew 12.5% from $53.66/hr (2020) to $60.38/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.49/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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael
Considering a part-time position equates to an annual take-home of about $78,624 for a dental hygienist working 24 hours per week, compared to a full-time worker’s annual earnings of over $131,800. For those exploring per diem opportunities, per diem dental hygienist pay in San Rafael typically ranges from $40 to $60 per hour through temp agencies, though higher compensation can be found in neighboring metropolitan areas such as San Francisco. Employers vary in their pay structures; solo practices may offer lower rates than larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty clinics that can afford higher wages. This disparity often leads some dental hygienists to opt for jobs that provide health benefits, selecting lower hourly rates with the security of insurance. When negotiating pay, it is beneficial to emphasize local demand for dental hygienists and highlight any advanced certifications that can justify higher earnings in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in San Rafael?
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How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in San Rafael?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in San Rafael?
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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 San Rafael. 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 San Rafael 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