Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $53.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Austin, TX runs $53.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,691 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,412 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The dental hygienist hourly pay in Austin, TX, is projected to be $53.22 in 2026, marking a significant increase over the national median of $49.49. This competitive rate not only reflects the demand for skilled professionals but also indicates favorable conditions for part-time and per-diem dental hygienists working in various environments, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and public health settings. The hourly range in Austin spans from $29.32 for entry-level positions to $60.75 for the most experienced practitioners. With official Bureau of Labor Statistics data underscoring this information, it's evident that dental hygienists in Austin enjoy a pay scale that surpasses many other regions in Texas, demonstrating a healthy job market for this essential healthcare role.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.32 | $234.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.75 | $381.98 |
| Median (P50) | $53.22 | $425.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.38 | $483.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.75 | $486.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $53.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.22/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $110,687 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,858. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,128.60 | $9,224 | $110,687 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,277.16 | $5,534 | $66,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $851.44 | $3,690 | $44,275 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Austin) | $53.22 |
| 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 Austin, TX earn a median of $110,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.52% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 15.50% above the Texas state average of $95,836.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.22/hr = $66,412/year (purchasing power: $67,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,687/year (purchasing power: $112,870).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$38.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.22/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Austin (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Austin grew 33.3% from $38.03/hr (2020) to $50.71/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.84/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 Austin 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 Austin
For those considering part-time opportunities, dental hygienists working three days a week, approximately 24 hours total, can expect to take home just under $67,000 annually, a respectable figure that provides a comfortable living in Austin's affordable housing market. In contrast, the increasing trend of per diem dental hygienist pay in Austin reflects broader shifts in employment practices. Many professionals are turning to temp agencies, which offer rates between $40 and $60 per hour, although compensation may vary significantly based on the employer type, such as small dental practices or larger DSOs like Heartland and Aspen. This creates a dilemma where some dental hygienists may choose lower hourly rates for steady hours and benefits versus higher pay rates without the security of benefits. Negotiation plays a vital role in this context; professionals are encouraged to understand the full compensation package and express their value effectively, especially in a city with a robust job market.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Austin?
Are dental hygienists in Austin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Austin?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Austin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Austin. 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