Dental Hygienists in Texas. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median wage for Dental Hygienists in Texas was $94,490 in 2024, just $328 above the national median of $94,162. In practical terms, Texas pay sits at the national average.
The spread across earners is wide. The bottom 10% earned around $48,390, while the top 10% reached $110,560. That gap of more than $62,000 reflects how much part-time scheduling, office type, and years of experience can move the number. A hygienist working two days a week in a general practice lands in a very different place than one working full-time in a specialty clinic.
Texas has a cost-of-living index of 97, slightly below the national baseline of 100. That small discount means the $94,490 median stretches a bit further here than the same figure would in most states. The real purchasing difference is modest, but it tips slightly in the state's favor.
BLS projects employment for Dental Hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, an outlook BLS classifies as faster than average. Texas already employs 16,010 hygienists, one of the larger state totals in the country, so that growth rate applies to a substantial base.
Salary distribution
Where Texas dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $85,280 and $107,320, with a median of $99,240.
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Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Texas
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Texas over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in Texas
Metro-level salary data for dental hygienists in major Texas metropolitan areas.
- Austin$105,480
- Houston$104,930
- Dallas$101,870
- San Antonio$98,480
Compare Dental Hygienists pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare Texas with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Texas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Texas is $99,240.
- How does Texas compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Texas median is -0.6% versus the BLS national figure of $99,864.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Texas?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $71,530 and the 90th-percentile at $117,890, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.