Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Peabody, MA: $50.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Peabody, MA runs $50.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Peabody's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,536 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental hygienists in Peabody, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly pay of $50.11 in 2026. This rate is slightly higher than the national median of $49.49, reflecting the higher cost of living in the area. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day-a-week schedule, this equates to roughly $1,182 weekly, making it an appealing option for professionals seeking flexibility. The hourly range offers significant variation based on experience and setting, with entry-level hygienists earning around $37.32 and top earners achieving rates as high as $66.70. These figures are informed estimates derived from annual salary projections, illustrating the financial potential for dental hygienists in various environments, including general dentistry settings, specialized practices, and public health initiatives.
About the Peabody 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) | $37.32 | $298.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.52 | $348.15 |
| Median (P50) | $50.11 | $400.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.17 | $433.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.70 | $533.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peabody
Based on $50.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.11/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peabody, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,226 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,131. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Peabody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peabody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,004.35 | $8,686 | $104,226 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,202.61 | $5,211 | $62,536 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.74 | $3,474 | $41,691 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Peabody) | $50.11 |
| 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 Peabody, MA earn a median of $104,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.24% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $104,118.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.11/hr = $62,536/year (purchasing power: $57,637).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,226/year (purchasing power: $96,061).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$41.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.11/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Peabody (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $41.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Peabody grew 15.3% from $41.43/hr (2020) to $47.75/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.58/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 Peabody 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 Peabody
When it comes to part-time opportunities, a dental hygienist working just 24 hours a week could take home approximately $61,748 annually, which contrasts with the earnings of full-time hygienists, who may enjoy additional benefits. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Peabody varies widely, with many professionals opting for agency work that can offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour, especially in markets with a high cost of living. Certain roles at community health clinics or local dental offices may settle at the lower end of that spectrum; however, larger Dental Service Organizations like Heartland and Pacific Dental often provide competitive pay with potential sign-on bonuses. Despite variations in hourly rates across employer types, many hygienists find a balance between hourly compensation and employment perks, including health insurance and retirement benefits, making thoughtful negotiation an important skill. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for those entering or advancing within the dental hygiene field in Peabody.
More salary data for Peabody, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Peabody?
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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 Peabody. 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 Peabody 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