Houston vs Waco: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Houston, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,114▲ | $100,050 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.94▲ | $48.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,776▲ | $84,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,121▲ | $87,688 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,496▲ | $102,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,954▲ | $105,496 |
| Total Employed | 3,060▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Houston and Waco is $10,064 (10.06%). 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,Waco spans $20,537. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($111,645 effective) pays 3.28% more than Waco ($108,104 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,954)
- ✓Larger job market (3,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,645)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Waco if…
- ✓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 27.9% growth in Waco over the same period.
Houston, TX
$77,850 (2020) → $104,930 (2025)
Waco, TX
$74,550 (2020) → $95,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, 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