Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $49.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Chelsea, MA runs $49.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Chelsea's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to be $49.59 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, or per-diem workers who may choose to serve in various settings including general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and public health mobile clinics. Entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn around $38.88 per hour, while more experienced practitioners or those working in specialized environments may earn up to $60.24 per hour. These hourly figures are derived from estimated annual salaries and indicate a strong earning potential for dental hygienists throughout Chelsea and broader MA.
About the Chelsea 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) | $38.88 | $311.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.45 | $339.59 |
| Median (P50) | $49.59 | $396.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.38 | $427.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.24 | $481.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $49.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.59/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, MA can expect to earn approximately $103,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,514. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,983.79 | $8,596 | $103,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,190.27 | $5,158 | $61,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.51 | $3,439 | $41,263 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Chelsea) | $49.59 |
| 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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $103,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,105.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.59/hr = $61,894/year (purchasing power: $57,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,157/year (purchasing power: $95,075).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.59/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Chelsea (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Chelsea grew 15.2% from $41.01/hr (2020) to $47.26/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.04/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
For those considering part-time work as dental hygienists, taking on a position for 24 hours a week can still result in substantial annual income, significantly benefiting those who prefer flexibility over a full-time commitment. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Chelsea typically ranges from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on a variety of factors including employer type and location. Temp agencies often draw in professionals with lucrative contracts, particularly in high-cost living areas like Chelsea, leading to rates that may attract hygienists to temporary positions even if they fall below permanent roles in hourly pay. Different employer types, including solo practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), significantly affect compensation structures; these often provide more stable hours and benefits at the cost of a slightly lower hourly wage. As such, dental hygienists in Chelsea must weigh the potential for higher hourly pay against health insurance benefits when assessing job offers. Negotiating effectively is crucial and knowing the local market trends can help individuals secure the best possible rates in this evolving field.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Chelsea in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Chelsea?
Are dental hygienists in Chelsea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Chelsea?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Chelsea?
Related Pages
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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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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