Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $48.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Waco, TX runs $48.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,050 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,034 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, TX, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $48.10, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This compensation reflects the realities of part-time and per-diem positions, which can be advantageous for dental hygienists seeking flexibility in their work schedules. For example, a hygienist working three days a week would typically earn around $1,150 weekly before taxes, allowing them to create a desirable work-life balance while still receiving competitive pay. The hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waco ranges from $40.84 for entry-level positions to as much as $50.72 for more experienced professionals. These figures stem from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data and demonstrate that this occupation rewards both experience and skill across various work settings, such as private dental practices, pediatric offices, and public health clinics.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.84 | $326.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.15 | $337.24 |
| Median (P50) | $48.10 | $384.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.46 | $395.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.72 | $405.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $48.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.10/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $100,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,725. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,924.18 | $8,338 | $100,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,154.51 | $5,003 | $60,034 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $769.67 | $3,335 | $40,023 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Waco) | $48.10 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $100,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.40% above the Texas state average of $95,833.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.10/hr = $60,034/year (purchasing power: $64,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,057/year (purchasing power: $108,112).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.10/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+40.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Waco (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Waco grew 27.9% from $35.84/hr (2020) to $45.84/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.48/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 Waco 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 Waco
Looking at part-time work, a dental hygienist on a three-day workweek could expect to earn approximately $60,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart, which can affect long-term financial planning and benefits eligibility. For those considering per diem roles, the pay typically varies widely, with daily rates ranging from $40 to upwards of $60 per hour in Waco, depending on the employer and specific job demands. Different practice settings—such as solo practices, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and specialty clinics—offer varying compositions of hourly pay. While some may provide higher pay without benefits, others, particularly established practices, might offer comprehensive insurance and retirement packages that may entice professionals to accept a lower base rate. The market in Waco shows a healthy demand for skilled dental hygienists, so negotiating for optimal hourly rates while also considering the qualitative aspects of employment can help in making a well-informed career decision.
More salary data for Waco, 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
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 Waco. 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