Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $41.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Gardner, KS runs $41.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,778 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, the dental hygienist hourly pay is projected to reach $41.72 in 2026. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $49.49, indicating a regional variance that could impact local job seekers. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this translates to an approximate take-home pay of around $33,385 annually, which may limit financial decision-making capabilities compared to full-time employment. The hourly range in Gardner spans from $34.86 for entry-level positions to $51.81 for the top earners, providing a structured pathway for career advancement and salary increases. Dental hygienists may find opportunities in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and public health clinics, which offer the flexibility for both part-time and per-diem work.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($80,322) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.86 | $278.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.04 | $296.35 |
| Median (P50) | $41.72 | $333.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.79 | $366.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.81 | $414.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $41.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.72/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $86,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,069. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,668.97 | $7,232 | $86,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,001.38 | $4,339 | $52,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.59 | $2,893 | $34,714 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Gardner) | $41.72 |
| 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 Gardner, KS earn a median of $86,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $93,612.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.72/hr = $52,072/year (purchasing power: $57,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,786/year (purchasing power: $95,474).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$30.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.72/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Gardner (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Gardner grew 28.5% from $30.94/hr (2020) to $39.76/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.79/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 Gardner 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 Gardner
Examining the broader context of dental hygienist compensation in Gardner, part-time hygienists can assess their financial situation in relation to full-time counterparts, especially those working 40-hour weeks. For instance, dental hygienists who opt for per diem roles might earn between $40-$60 an hour through temp agencies, with metropolitan areas like San Francisco and New York City potentially offering upwards of $60-$85 per hour. However, hourly rates can significantly vary based on employer type within Gardner. Solo practices, multi-doctor group practices, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may have different compensation structures, impacting overall earnings and benefits. Some dental hygienists indeed trade a higher hourly rate for jobs providing health insurance or retirement packages. Those negotiating their hourly pay should remain aware of the benefits offered by each employer, recognizing that the lowest wage doesn't always equate to the best overall compensation package in this field.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gardner. 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 Gardner 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