Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $39.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Muscatine, IA runs $39.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,929 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $39.21, which is significantly below the national median of $49.49. This hourly figure can provide a solid foundation for those considering both full-time positions and part-time roles. For instance, a dental hygienist working three days a week may enjoy the flexibility that comes with part-time employment while earning around $36,000 annually. The hourly wage spans from $33.18 for entry-level positions to as much as $47.77 for experienced hygienists at the highest earning percentile. Practicing in diverse settings—including family dental practices, pediatric offices, periodontal suites, and public health clinics—provides dental professionals with various opportunities to earn different hourly pay rates.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($85,185) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.18 | $265.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.15 | $281.24 |
| Median (P50) | $39.21 | $313.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.55 | $340.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.77 | $382.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $39.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.21/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $81,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,047. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,568.22 | $6,796 | $81,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.93 | $4,077 | $48,929 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $627.29 | $2,718 | $32,619 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Muscatine) | $39.21 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $81,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.78% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $87,316.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.21/hr = $48,929/year (purchasing power: $54,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,548/year (purchasing power: $90,208).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.21/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Muscatine (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Muscatine grew 13.0% from $33.07/hr (2020) to $37.36/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.14/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
Considering part-time employment further, a dental hygienist in Muscatine working just 24 hours a week could take home about $36,000 annually, which highlights the importance of assessing lifestyle and financial needs. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Muscatine can be competitive, particularly through agencies, which generally offer $40 to $60 per hour, although less common compared to full-time positions. Employers in Muscatine, ranging from solo practices to larger Dental Service Organizations, will often differ in their hourly pay structures; some may offer lower rates in exchange for health benefits while others might lean towards offering higher pay without those perks. Understanding these trade-offs is vital for professionals when negotiating their compensation. It’s wise to research local industry standards thoroughly and consider negotiating for better pay or benefits based on your expertise and the demand in the area.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Muscatine?
Are dental hygienists in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Muscatine?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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