Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in University Park, TX: $43.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in University Park, TX runs $43.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against University Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,481 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Park, Texas, dental hygienists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $43.66, which presents a contrast when compared to the national hourly median of $49.49. This discrepancy can influence part-time employment opportunities—an RDH working three days a week, for instance, may find the flexible schedule appealing, while also considering the compensation in relation to their living costs. The hourly pay range for dental hygienists here spans from $34.35 at the lower end (10th percentile) up to $54.47 for those in the highest earnings brackets (90th percentile). Such figures indicate a robust market, though some may find it financially challenging if their income on a per diem basis, especially in common settings like general dentistry offices or public health clinics, does not meet ongoing living expenses.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($93,322) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.35 | $274.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.22 | $297.78 |
| Median (P50) | $43.66 | $349.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.07 | $384.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.47 | $435.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Park
Based on $43.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.66/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Park, TX can expect to earn approximately $90,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,386. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,746.20 | $7,567 | $90,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,047.72 | $4,540 | $54,481 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $698.48 | $3,027 | $36,321 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (University Park) | $43.66 |
| 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 University Park, TX earn a median of $90,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.79% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $95,893.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.66/hr = $54,481/year (purchasing power: $56,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,802/year (purchasing power: $94,586).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.66/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in University Park (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in University Park grew 16.1% from $35.83/hr (2020) to $41.60/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.81/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 University Park 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 University Park
For those interested in part-time work, a dental hygienist in University Park working 24 hours a week could potentially bring home around $54,000 annually, which is advantageous compared to their full-time peers who make significantly more. While the temp market offers per diem dental hygienist pay in University Park that aligns with national figures ranging from $40-60/hr, those in higher cost-of-living cities might see upwards of $60-85/hr. Employers like Dental Service Organizations or specialty practices often present variable pay structures. Many hygienists may choose roles at solo practices or DSOs that provide benefits such as health insurance, which could justify accepting a lower hourly rate. It is wise for dental hygienists, particularly in negotiating for hourly pay, to assess the complete compensation package, including benefits, job stability, and opportunities for professional development, while also being informed of prevailing compensation trends in the area.
More salary data for University Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in University Park in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in University Park?
Are dental hygienists in University Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in University Park?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in University Park?
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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 University Park. 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 University Park 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