Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $44.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Topeka, KS runs $44.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,578 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,555 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the dental hygienist hourly pay aligns with the evolving landscape of the healthcare profession. The median hourly wage for dental hygienists is projected at $44.52 for 2026, which is approximately 10% lower than the national median of $49.49. This compensation reflects the market dynamics in Topeka, where professionals typically work in varied settings such as general dentistry operatives, pediatric specialty offices, and public health clinics. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the hourly pay can translate into a viable income while still maintaining flexibility. The hourly range for dental hygienists here varies from entry-level positions at about $40.30 to experienced professionals earning up to $46.95 per hour, according to official BLS data.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.30 | $322.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.57 | $332.53 |
| Median (P50) | $44.52 | $356.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.12 | $360.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.95 | $375.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $44.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.52/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $92,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,419. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,780.62 | $7,716 | $92,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,068.37 | $4,630 | $55,555 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $712.25 | $3,086 | $37,037 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Topeka) | $44.52 |
| 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 Topeka, KS earn a median of $92,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.10% below the Kansas state average of $93,608.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.52/hr = $55,555/year (purchasing power: $62,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,592/year (purchasing power: $104,247).
CoL index: 88.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.52/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+50.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Topeka (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Topeka grew 36.3% from $31.13/hr (2020) to $42.42/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.71/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 Topeka 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 Topeka
Part-time dental hygienists in Topeka who work 24 hours a week can anticipate a solid annual take-home income, though it will be less than their full-time counterparts. With per diem dental hygienist pay in Topeka generally falling between $40 and $60 per hour, the flexibility of per-diem or agency work can appeal to those seeking varied experiences in multiple practices. Many dentists and healthcare organizations, including dental service organizations (DSOs), may offer different pay structures based on employer type, with DSOs often providing additional benefits and stability that solo practices might lack. This opens the door for dental hygienists to negotiate not just their hourly rate, but also essential benefits, which can make a significant difference in overall compensation. Focusing on specific aspects like health insurance can lead to accepting a potentially lower hourly pay, as many hygienists weigh the benefits of security against higher pay in less stable roles.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Topeka?
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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 Topeka. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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