Dental Hygienist salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$104,930/year
about $50.45 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $99,220 – $107,200
Half of dental hygienists in the Houston metro area earn more than $104,930 a year and half earn less. That's 7% higher than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #15 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $85,550 | $41.13 |
| 25th | $99,220 | $47.70 |
| Median (50th) | $104,930 | $50.45 |
| 75th | $107,200 | $51.54 |
| 90th (top earners) | $108,590 | $52.21 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a dental hygienist job in the Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $99,220 ($47.70/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $99,220 to $107,200 ($47.70 to $51.54/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $107,200 ($51.54/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Many hygienists work part-time or across several offices, so compare hourly rates, not just yearly totals.
- Ask how long each appointment slot is. Short slots mean a faster, harder day for the same pay.
- Check whether you're paid for days the office closes or patients cancel.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Houston metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.