Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Brookline, MA: $48.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Brookline, MA runs $48.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Brookline's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in Brookline, Massachusetts is projected to be $48.56, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This rate offers solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time practitioners. Those working three days a week can expect to leverage this hourly rate in various typical settings, including general dental operatories, pediatric clinics, and public health mobile units. The hourly wage ranges from $37.60 for entry-level positions (P10) to $61.72 for top earners (P90), allowing for both new graduates and experienced hygienists to find suitable opportunities within the Brooklyn area. The competitive labor market, combined with the cost of living index of 108.5, makes understanding hourly compensation essential for dental hygienists navigating their career paths.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($101,268) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.60 | $300.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.41 | $331.27 |
| Median (P50) | $48.56 | $388.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.57 | $436.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.72 | $493.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookline
Based on $48.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.56/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookline, MA can expect to earn approximately $100,996 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,267. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brookline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,942.23 | $8,416 | $100,996 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.34 | $5,050 | $60,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $776.89 | $3,367 | $40,398 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Brookline) | $48.56 |
| 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 Brookline, MA earn a median of $100,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.90% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,113.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.56/hr = $60,598/year (purchasing power: $55,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,996/year (purchasing power: $93,084).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.56/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Brookline (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Brookline grew 15.2% from $40.15/hr (2020) to $46.27/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.95/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 Brookline 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 Brookline
Part-time dental hygienists in Brookline can anticipate earning a significant income, though it may differ based on weekly schedules. By working 24 hours over three days, a dental hygienist would take home approximately $60,000 annually, compared to the approximate annual income of full-time hygienists. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Brookline tends to fluctuate based on employer type, with many agencies offering competitive rates between $40-$60 per hour, and major metropolitan areas like Brookline may push rates upwards to $60-$85. Individual practices, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and public health clinics may offer varying hourly structures. While some hygienists might pursue higher hourly wages without benefits, others may accept lower rates in exchange for health insurance and stability. Negotiation skills are paramount in this field; understanding one's worth in the local market can make a considerable difference in securing a favorable pay rate.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Brookline in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Brookline?
Are dental hygienists in Brookline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Brookline?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Brookline?
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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 Brookline. 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 Brookline 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