Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Temple, TX: $48.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Temple, TX runs $48.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Temple's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,663 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temple, Texas, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $48.61, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.49. This rate offers considerable earning potential for professionals seeking part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, or for per-diem positions across various healthcare settings, including general dental practices and specialized clinics. For those just entering the field, hourly wages can start around $38.59, with top earners potentially reaching up to $62.95 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary data projected into hourly rates, reflect a competitive environment for dental hygienists in the area as demand for dental care continues to grow.
About the Temple 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) | $38.59 | $308.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.15 | $337.24 |
| Median (P50) | $48.61 | $388.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.26 | $434.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.95 | $503.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temple
Based on $48.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.61/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temple, TX can expect to earn approximately $101,105 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,330. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Temple.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temple
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,944.33 | $8,425 | $101,105 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,166.60 | $5,055 | $60,663 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $777.73 | $3,370 | $40,442 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Temple) | $48.61 |
| 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 Temple, TX earn a median of $101,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.50% above the Texas state average of $95,832.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.61/hr = $60,663/year (purchasing power: $63,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,105/year (purchasing power: $105,318).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$37.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.61/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Temple (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Temple grew 24.8% from $37.13/hr (2020) to $46.32/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.01/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 Temple 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 Temple
For dental hygienists considering part-time work, taking on a schedule of 24 hours per week could yield annual earnings that still position them favorably compared to full-time professionals. Typically, a dental hygienist may earn approximately $57,000 yearly at a 24-hour work week, which offers a flexible alternative to the traditional full-time route. As for per diem dental hygienist pay in Temple, it could range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the specific role and employer type. In this region, wages can vary significantly between solo dental practices, multi-doctor setups, and Dental Service Organizations like Heartland Dental or Aspen Dental. While some hygienists choose to accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, it’s essential for candidates to weigh these factors when negotiating pay. Leveraging industry standards and showcasing their skills can aid in securing competitive compensation in Temple’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Temple, 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 Temple. 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 Temple 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