Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $46.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Galveston, TX runs $46.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,150 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,690 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galveston, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists in 2026 is $46.23, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. For professionals working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly wage can translate into a substantial income, especially for those in popular settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric specialty clinics, and public health mobile units. The pay rates also vary widely; entry-level dental hygienists may earn around $34.54 an hour, while top earners can make as much as $58.80 hourly. It is worth noting that these hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse earning potential within the field in Galveston.
About the Galveston 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) | $34.54 | $276.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.50 | $308.02 |
| Median (P50) | $46.23 | $369.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.07 | $408.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.80 | $470.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $46.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.23/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $96,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,471. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,849.04 | $8,013 | $96,150 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,109.43 | $4,808 | $57,690 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $739.62 | $3,205 | $38,460 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Galveston) | $46.23 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $96,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $95,863.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.23/hr = $57,690/year (purchasing power: $60,094).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,150/year (purchasing power: $100,156).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$37.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.23/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Galveston (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Galveston grew 16.1% from $37.93/hr (2020) to $44.05/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.51/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
For those considering part-time employment in Galveston, a dental hygienist working a 24-hour week can expect to earn approximately $58,000 annually, which represents a solid income for flexible work. Per diem dental hygienists can find hourly pay rates ranging from $40 to $60, based on local demand and employer type, although positions in higher cost of living areas can demand up to $85 an hour. Employment in solo practices might offer different pay than group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), where structures increasingly include benefits like health insurance that some hygienists prefer over higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiating these aspects is crucial, especially in Galveston’s evolving job market; being informed about prevailing rates can empower dental hygienists to secure fair compensation whether they work full-time, part-time, or on a per diem basis.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Galveston in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Galveston?
Are dental hygienists in Galveston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Galveston?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Galveston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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