Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Fall River, MA: $49.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Fall River, MA runs $49.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Fall River's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,671 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fall River, Massachusetts, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $49.42, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This competitive hourly wage reflects the profession's value and the cost of living in the area. For those opting for part-time work, typically three days a week, this rate can provide a stable income, making it feasible for dental hygienists to combine work with other pursuits. Per-diem opportunities also exist in settings such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and public health clinics, where hourly wages range from $39.60 at the lower end to around $64.41 for top earners. This variability offers flexibility for practitioners while highlighting the potential for earning, shaped by experience and workplace type.
About the Fall River 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) | $39.60 | $316.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.17 | $345.38 |
| Median (P50) | $49.42 | $395.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.52 | $444.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.41 | $515.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fall River
Based on $49.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.42/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fall River, MA can expect to earn approximately $102,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,299. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fall River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fall River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,976.65 | $8,565 | $102,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.99 | $5,139 | $61,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.66 | $3,426 | $41,114 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Fall River) | $49.42 |
| 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 Fall River, MA earn a median of $102,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $104,142.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.42/hr = $61,671/year (purchasing power: $56,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,786/year (purchasing power: $94,733).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$40.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.42/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Fall River (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $40.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fall River grew 15.2% from $40.86/hr (2020) to $47.09/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.86/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 Fall River 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 Fall River
For part-time dental hygienists working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can be strategically calculated, resulting in a significantly different income profile compared to full-time employees. Those in per diem roles, including agency or locum work, may find themselves earning between $40 to $60 per hour in Fall River, with higher pay rates often seen in metropolitan centers like Boston and New York City, sometimes reaching up to $85. Generally, dental hygienists in solo practices, multi-doctor groups, or Dental Service Organizations may experience different pay scales. While the allure of higher hourly rates might tempt some hygienists, many choose positions that offer benefits like health insurance, leading to lower hourly pay. Negotiating salaries in such a competitive environment can be critical; highlighting specific skills, certifications, or experience may yield better offers, particularly in a market influenced by changing practice structures and employment models.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fall River in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Fall River?
Are dental hygienists in Fall River paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Fall River?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Fall River?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Fall River. 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 Fall River 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