Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $36.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Murray, KY runs $36.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,733 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for dental hygienists in Murray, Kentucky, is projected to be $36.65, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $49.49. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a stable income, especially when healthcare settings include general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. The hourly range in Murray varies considerably, with starting wages around $31.15 for entry-level positions, while experienced hygienists can expect to earn up to $44.83 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the dynamics of the job market and can influence one's employment decisions when looking at various practice types, from solo dental offices to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs).
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($78,073) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.15 | $249.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.92 | $263.36 |
| Median (P50) | $36.65 | $293.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.79 | $318.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.83 | $358.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $36.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.65/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $76,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,974. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,465.80 | $6,352 | $76,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $879.48 | $3,811 | $45,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.32 | $2,541 | $30,489 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Murray) | $36.65 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $76,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.97% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $81,512.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.65/hr = $45,733/year (purchasing power: $51,213).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,222/year (purchasing power: $85,355).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$28.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.65/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+35.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Murray (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Murray grew 22.7% from $28.46/hr (2020) to $34.92/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.46/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 Murray 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 Murray
Looking at the annual earnings potential, a part-time dental hygienist working 24 hours a week would bring home approximately $45,100 annually, which is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem and agency dental hygienists can command hourly rates that sometimes exceed those found in traditional roles—often ranging between $40 to $60 per hour in major metro areas. Employment settings are also a significant factor; hygienists in high-demand DSOs or specialty practices may receive competitive pay, including benefits, while solo practitioners might offer lower hourly rates but provide additional security. When negotiating, those in Murray should consider factors like job security and health benefits versus potential higher hourly wages without coverage. Having a clear understanding of the local market can help make informed decisions in this evolving industry, especially as opportunities and pay scales shift in response to changing dynamics.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Murray?
Are dental hygienists in Murray paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Murray?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Murray?
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 Murray. 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 Murray 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