Houston vs Odessa: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Houston, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,114▲ | $94,809 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.94▲ | $45.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,776▲ | $71,931 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,121▲ | $80,012 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,496▲ | $105,466 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,954 | $122,842▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,060▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Odessa.
The salary gap between Houston and Odessa is $15,305 (16.14%). Houston's median is +6.96% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $24,178,Odessa spans $50,911. Odessa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($111,645 effective) pays 13.05% more than Odessa ($98,759 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,114/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,645)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,842)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Houston grew 34.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Houston, TX
$77,850 (2020) → $104,930 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$77,100 (2020) → $90,346 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Odessa, TX
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov