Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in La Mirada, CA: $62.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in La Mirada, CA runs $62.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,077 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against La Mirada's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,453 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental hygienist hourly pay in La Mirada, California, is projected to reach $62.06, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49 per hour. This premium highlights the region's competitive nature, particularly beneficial for part-time workers and per-diem hygienists who often thrive in various practice settings, including general dentistry and specialty clinics. Within La Mirada, entry-level positions may start around $48.93, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $75.71 per hour. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary data, reflect the overall demand for dental hygienists in the area, showcasing the financial viability of both part-time roles and temporary staffing arrangements in the local dental community.
About the La Mirada Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.93 | $391.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.33 | $426.64 |
| Median (P50) | $62.06 | $496.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.34 | $546.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.71 | $605.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Mirada
Based on $62.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.06/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Mirada, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,474. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Mirada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Mirada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,482.46 | $10,757 | $129,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,489.48 | $6,454 | $77,453 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $992.98 | $4,303 | $51,635 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (La Mirada) | $62.06 |
| 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 La Mirada, CA earn a median of $129,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.38% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.60% below the California state average of $129,856.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.06/hr = $77,453/year (purchasing power: $68,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,088/year (purchasing power: $114,136).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.06/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in La Mirada (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in La Mirada grew 12.5% from $52.56/hr (2020) to $59.14/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.13/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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada
Part-time dental hygienists working three days a week in La Mirada can still earn a respectable income, bringing home roughly $64,150 annually. This amount is nearly on par with full-time counterparts, especially when one considers the flexibility and potential for multiple job opportunities in different settings. For per-diem roles, compensation varies widely based on agency involvement, with payments often ranging from $40 to $60 per hour in less dense markets, while higher costs of living areas command higher rates, sometimes reaching $60-$85. Different practice types in La Mirada affect hourly pay as well, with solo practices generally offering lower rates compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), which might provide additional benefits like health insurance. Every dental hygienist should approach negotiations with a clear understanding of their worth; those willing to prioritize benefits should inquire about insurance packages, whereas others may opt for higher hourly wages at practices that do not offer those perks.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in La Mirada in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in La Mirada?
Are dental hygienists in La Mirada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in La Mirada?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in La Mirada?
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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 La Mirada. 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 La Mirada 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