Dental Hygienist Salary in Rock Island, IL: $86,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Rock Island, IL earns a median $86,220/year (≈ $41.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $88,795 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, the dental hygienist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $86,220 by 2026. This amount falls below the national average of $102,946, reflecting a regional pay scale influenced by local economic factors. The salary range for dental hygienists in Rock Island spans from $64,895 at the 10th percentile to $104,497 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, indicate a competitive yet varied market for this profession. Despite having only five dental hygienists currently employed in the area, there exists potential for job growth, supported by a 4.94% annual growth rate, suggesting opportunities for new entrants into this vital healthcare field.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,078) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,895 | $31.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,992 | $37.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,220 | $41.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,732 | $44.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,497 | $50.23 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,602 (2026 est.). At $86,220, the local median is 16.25% below the national median of $102,946.
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At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be above the median
How Rock Island Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $86,220/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $85,029 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $102,946 | -16.25% less |
Dental Hygienists in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $86,220 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $85,029.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $86,220 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,795 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2020 BLS Actual
$73,477
2025 BLS Actual
$82,161
2026 Current Est.
$86,220
2020–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Rock Island (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $73,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,777 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,928 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,479 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 11.8% from $73,477 (2020) to $82,161 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,479 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,002 (23.14%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,895 – $76,992 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,992 – $86,220 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,220 – $92,732 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,732 – $104,497 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Rock Island
Considering the cost of living index in Rock Island, which stands at 97.1, dental hygienists may find their purchasing power slightly enhanced compared to the national average. Employers such as multi-doctor group practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often lead the pay scale, providing higher compensation and more substantial benefits than traditional solo practices. The variance in pay can be attributed to factors like production-based bonuses tied to patient retention, the number of workdays scheduled, and differing compensation structures between private offices and DSO chains. To maximize earnings in Rock Island, hygienists should consider pursuing employment in organizations offering sign-on bonuses and full benefits packages while remaining flexible about their work schedules. Engaging with local dental associations and staying informed about job openings can also enhance their competitive edge in this evolving market.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,161 for dental hygienistsin the Rock Island metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rock Island 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