Healthcare Texas (TX) Rank #25 of 50

Dental Hygienist Salary in Texas

The median dental hygienist salary in Texas is $76,516 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $81,400.

Median Salary
$76,516
vs National
$-4,884
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Dental Hygienist Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for dental hygienist compensation. Texas falls in the middle of the pack for dental hygienist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $76,516 per year, dental hygienists in Texas earn $4,884 less than the national median of $81,400.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $76,516 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,170 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: dental hygienists at the 10th percentile earn $54,708, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,708 — a $47,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $87,098.

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental hygienists across the country.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $51,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,700 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,700
$-6,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $54,708
25th Percentile $63,544
Median (50th) $76,516
75th Percentile $92,120
90th Percentile $101,708

Dental Hygienist Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for dental hygienists in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Texas

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook in Texas

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Texas

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Texas? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Texas is $76,516 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $54,708 (10th percentile) to $101,708 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,516, a dental hygienist in Texas earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for dental hygienists? ▼
Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for dental hygienist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level dental hygienists earn $51,700, while senior professionals earn $98,700.
How does Texas compare to other states for dental hygienist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental hygienists is Hawaii at $144,892. Texas's median of $76,516 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($78,958) and Utah ($78,958).
What is the entry-level dental hygienist salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level dental hygienist in Texas earns approximately $51,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,700.
What city in Texas pays dental hygienists the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for dental hygienists, with a median salary of $87,098. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.