Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $52.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Pasadena, TX runs $52.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,674 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,208 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Pasadena, TX, earn a median hourly pay of $52.25, which surpasses the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate is advantageous for dental hygienists working in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, or pediatric exam rooms. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates into a more flexible work-life balance without sacrificing pay. However, entry-level hygienists may start on the lower end of the range, earning around $40.27 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $68.37 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary data projections for 2026, reflect Pasadena's evolving dental market and the demand for skilled hygienists.
About the Pasadena 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) | $40.27 | $322.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.57 | $356.54 |
| Median (P50) | $52.25 | $418.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.68 | $469.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.37 | $546.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $52.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.25/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $108,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,700. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,089.99 | $9,057 | $108,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,253.99 | $5,434 | $65,208 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $835.99 | $3,623 | $43,472 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Pasadena) | $52.25 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $108,674 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.56% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 13.40% above the Texas state average of $95,832.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.25/hr = $65,208/year (purchasing power: $67,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,679/year (purchasing power: $113,208).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$37.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.25/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+45.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Pasadena (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pasadena grew 32.1% from $37.69/hr (2020) to $49.79/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.83/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Looking deeper into the earning potential for part-time workers, a dental hygienist in Pasadena working 24 hours a week may take home a competitive income, especially compared to full-time professionals. While per diem positions and agency work often provide hourly rates between $40 and $60, metropolitan areas like Pasadena see variations dependent on job setting. In addition, hourly pay can differ significantly among different employer types, such as DSOs, pediatric specialty practices, or public health clinics, where some may offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. This trade-off may influence many to consider full-time roles for the security that benefits provide, even if it comes with a lower hourly rate. Those negotiating their pay should assess their individual needs against employer offerings, focusing on the full compensation package rather than just the hourly wage alone.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Pasadena?
Are dental hygienists in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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