Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Belleville, IL: $38.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Belleville, IL runs $38.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,097 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Belleville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,654 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Belleville, Illinois, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $38.99, which falls significantly below the national median of $49.49. This disparity means that those working part-time, for instance, three days a week, can expect to earn about $31,100 annually at the median rate, while per diem dental hygienists, who typically enjoy greater flexibility, may find their pay fluctuating based on demand. The hourly earnings for dental hygienists in Belleville range from $31.37 for entry-level positions to $48.25 for top earners, reflecting the varied working environments they may encounter, such as general dentistry operatories, specialty clinics, and public health settings. These estimates originate from annual salary data projected for 2026 and indicate a broader narrative regarding compensation for dental hygienists in the region.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.37 | $250.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.93 | $271.42 |
| Median (P50) | $38.99 | $311.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.54 | $340.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.25 | $386.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belleville
Based on $38.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.99/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belleville, IL can expect to earn approximately $81,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,782. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belleville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belleville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,559.41 | $6,757 | $81,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.65 | $4,054 | $48,654 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.76 | $2,703 | $32,436 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Belleville) | $38.99 |
| 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 Belleville, IL earn a median of $81,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.22% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $85,007.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.99/hr = $48,654/year (purchasing power: $50,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,089/year (purchasing power: $83,511).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.99/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Belleville (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Belleville grew 7.2% from $34.67/hr (2020) to $37.15/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.91/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 Belleville 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 Belleville
Part-time hygienists in Belleville, engaging in a schedule of just three days a week, can secure a stable income, but they may not match the financial prospects of full-time professionals. A dedicated full-timer contributes more hours, leading to a more substantial annual revenue share. Per diem positions can present variances; agency dental hygienists typically command higher pay rates, often ranging between $40 and $60 per hour, although this can escalate in high-cost locations. Belleville's pay rates also depend on the type of employer; solo practices may not offer the same compensation as structured organizations such as Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which often provide stability along with additional benefits, attracting professionals despite potentially lower hourly rates. Negotiation is vital in these discussions—dental hygienists should be prepared to articulate their value, advocate for competitive pay, and consider the benefits associated with lower hourly rates when assessing offers.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Belleville in 2026?
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How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Belleville?
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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 Belleville. 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 Belleville 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