Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Moorhead, MN: $48.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Moorhead, MN runs $48.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,409 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Moorhead's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,846 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, the **dental hygienist hourly pay** stands at a competitive **$48.76**, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of **$49.49**. For dental hygienists working part-time, say three days a week, this wage translates to a satisfying income that accommodates flexible schedules, particularly in diverse environments such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, periodontal specialty suites, and public health settings. The hourly pay can vary significantly in Moorhead, ranging from **$39.88** for entry-level positions up to **$62.83** for highly experienced practitioners. Given these estimates are derived from annual salary data, it reflects the overall earning potential within this occupation, illustrating a pathway for individuals pursuing a rewarding career in dental hygiene.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($98,738) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.88 | $319.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.91 | $343.28 |
| Median (P50) | $48.76 | $390.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.83 | $414.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.83 | $502.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moorhead
Based on $48.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.76/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moorhead, MN can expect to earn approximately $101,411 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,506. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moorhead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moorhead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,950.20 | $8,451 | $101,411 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.12 | $5,071 | $60,846 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.08 | $3,380 | $40,564 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Moorhead) | $48.76 |
| 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 Moorhead, MN earn a median of $101,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.49% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $105,415.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.76/hr = $60,846/year (purchasing power: $61,773).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,411/year (purchasing power: $102,955).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.76/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Moorhead (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Moorhead grew 31.5% from $35.34/hr (2020) to $46.46/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.16/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 Moorhead 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 Moorhead
Examining the financial dynamics of dental hygienists in Moorhead reveals interesting insights regarding part-time and per diem roles. A dental hygienist working a 24-hour week could earn around **$61,117** annually, while full-timers pulling in 40 hours could surpass **$101,409** a year. For those considering per diem opportunities, the pay can range from **$40** to **$60** per hour depending on the demand and the specific dental practice. Interestingly, hourly rates may fluctuate across various employer types; solo dental practices and multi-doctor group offices may offer different compensation structures, with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often providing higher rates but possibly fewer benefits. This raises essential considerations about the trade-offs between hourly pay and health insurance, where some hygienists prefer lower hourly rates that include benefits over higher pay without healthcare coverage. When negotiating, it can be advantageous for hygienists in Moorhead to emphasize their skills and experience to secure a more favorable hourly rate while contemplating the broader implications of their employment decisions.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Moorhead in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Moorhead?
Are dental hygienists in Moorhead paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Moorhead?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Moorhead?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Moorhead. 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 Moorhead 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