40h normalized salary comparison

Dental Hygienist Salary in Austin

Average Dental Hygienist salary in Austin on a 40h basis 79,688 $ 6,641 $ gross/month · 38.31 $ gross/hour
Full-time salary range/year 48,000 $ – 120,000 $
Full-time salary range/month 4,000 $ – 10,000 $
Based on 40 salary reports

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Austin is 79,688 $ per year on a 40-hour full-time equivalent, or 6,641 $ gross per month and 38.31 $ gross per hour. The reported full-time salary range is 48,000 $ to 120,000 $. The analysis is based on 40 salary reports from workers and employers in Austin. Part-time salaries are proportionally converted to 40 weekly hours so the values are comparable.

Reports 40
Minimum 40h 48,000 $
Avg. gross/year 40h 79,688 $
Avg. Gross/month 40h 6,641 $
Avg. gross/hour 40h 38.31 $
Maximum 40h 120,000 $

Minimum, average and maximum values on a 40h basis

Trend over time on a 40h basis

Individual reported salaries

Date Job title Weekly hours Reported gross/year Normalized to 40h/year Gross/month 40h Gross/hour 40h Note
05/16/2026 Lead Hygienist 38.0 h 99,000 $ 104,211 $ 8,684 $ 50.10 $ I lead a hygienist team at a high-end restorative practice and manage recall systems in addition to my clinical schedule.
03/04/2026 Self-Employed Hygienist / Mobile Practice Owner 40.0 h 120,000 $ 120,000 $ 10,000 $ 57.69 $ I run a successful mobile hygiene service contracted with corporate clients and private patients; this is gross income prior to business expenses.
12/29/2025 Senior Hygienist / Department Lead 40.0 h 108,000 $ 108,000 $ 9,000 $ 51.92 $ I head the hygiene department at a busy practice, handling advanced periodontal maintenance and staff scheduling while staying clinical.
10/12/2025 Per Diem / Flex Hygienist 32.0 h 60,000 $ 75,000 $ 6,250 $ 36.06 $ I do a mix of per diem and part-time shifts across high-demand clinics which paid well post-pandemic; schedule is flexible.
07/30/2025 Full-Time Clinical Hygienist 40.0 h 92,000 $ 92,000 $ 7,667 $ 44.23 $ I work full-time in a premium urban practice with higher patient complexity and a productivity-based component to my pay.
04/21/2025 Owner / Dentist Office Hygienist 42.0 h 115,000 $ 109,524 $ 9,127 $ 52.66 $ I co-own a private practice and also provide clinical hygiene care; this is gross income before owner-level expenses and taxes.
11/03/2024 Clinical Lead / Practice Trainer 40.0 h 101,000 $ 101,000 $ 8,417 $ 48.56 $ I led clinical training across several locations for a regional dental group and had a full clinical caseload in addition to training duties.
08/14/2024 Part-Time Senior Hygienist 28.0 h 52,000 $ 74,286 $ 6,190 $ 35.71 $ I reduced to part-time and still handle complex cases a few days a week at a specialist referral clinic; pay per day is high.
05/27/2024 Senior Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 97,000 $ 97,000 $ 8,083 $ 46.63 $ I had over ten years' experience and worked full-time treating complex periodontal maintenance cases at a high-end practice.
02/09/2024 Hygiene Supervisor 44.0 h 104,000 $ 94,545 $ 7,879 $ 45.45 $ I supervise the hygiene department at a large multi-site practice and still do occasional clinical days; supervisory duties increased my hours and pay.
10/11/2023 Full-Time Clinical Hygienist 40.0 h 88,000 $ 88,000 $ 7,333 $ 42.31 $ I worked full-time at a specialty dental center with higher-than-average productivity expectations and corresponding compensation.
06/28/2023 Lead Hygienist / Infection Control Coordinator 40.0 h 93,000 $ 93,000 $ 7,750 $ 44.71 $ I was the lead hygienist and infection control coordinator at a medium-sized clinic; extra responsibilities came with a higher salary.
03/05/2023 Self-Employed Mobile Hygienist 40.0 h 98,000 $ 98,000 $ 8,167 $ 47.12 $ I operate a mobile hygiene business contracted with assisted living facilities and private clients; this is my gross annual before expenses.
01/13/2023 Part-Time Hygienist 28.0 h 39,000 $ 55,714 $ 4,643 $ 26.79 $ I intentionally moved to part-time for work-life balance; I work four shorter days per week doing preventative care and recalls.
11/02/2022 Per Diem / Part-Time Hygienist 32.0 h 45,000 $ 56,250 $ 4,688 $ 27.04 $ I did part-time and per diem work at several clinics, averaging about four days every other week; decent hourly but variable schedule.
07/10/2022 Clinical Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 82,000 $ 82,000 $ 6,833 $ 39.42 $ I worked full-time in a busy pediatric and adult hybrid practice; overtime and productivity bonuses were part of my compensation.
05/19/2022 Senior Clinical Hygienist 40.0 h 86,000 $ 86,000 $ 7,167 $ 41.35 $ I had a senior clinical role in a large group practice with responsibilities for complex periodontal maintenance and mentoring newer clinicians.
02/24/2022 Private Practice Owner / Dental Hygienist 42.0 h 110,000 $ 104,762 $ 8,730 $ 50.37 $ I own a small private practice and also work clinically; this is gross income before owner expenses for my reported year.
11/18/2021 Senior Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 84,000 $ 84,000 $ 7,000 $ 40.38 $ I worked full-time at a specialty periodontal practice and assisted with complex maintenance regimens for long-term patients.
09/07/2021 Lead Hygienist 40.0 h 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 7,500 $ 43.27 $ I was the lead hygienist managing clinical protocols at a large multi-dentist office; responsibilities included mentoring and patient case management.
06/02/2021 Part-Time Clinical Hygienist 24.0 h 38,000 $ 63,333 $ 5,278 $ 30.45 $ I chose a part-time schedule after having children; I work 3 short days a week in a neighborhood dental office.
03/11/2021 Experienced Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 79,000 $ 79,000 $ 6,583 $ 37.98 $ I had five years of experience and worked full-time at a community clinic with a focus on adult periodontal maintenance.
12/08/2020 Hygiene Manager 42.0 h 86,000 $ 81,905 $ 6,825 $ 39.38 $ I was contracted as the hygiene manager at a multi-location practice, overseeing staffing, quality control, and training in addition to clinic hours.
10/30/2020 Clinical Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 78,000 $ 78,000 $ 6,500 $ 37.50 $ In 2020 I was full-time at a high-volume corporate practice; my role included scaling, root planing, and patient education with steady commission.
08/21/2020 Self-Employed Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 92,000 $ 92,000 $ 7,667 $ 44.23 $ I started a mobile dental hygiene service and was self-employed; income fluctuated but this was my gross annual for the year reported.
04/17/2020 Part-Time Hygienist 30.0 h 36,000 $ 48,000 $ 4,000 $ 23.08 $ I worked part-time at a boutique practice two to three days a week to supplement income while studying for an advanced certification.
11/05/2019 Private Practice Associate Hygienist 38.0 h 73,000 $ 76,842 $ 6,404 $ 36.94 $ I was associate hygienist at a private practice where patient retention was high; I worked full-time and helped implement new recall systems.
07/29/2019 Senior Clinical Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 81,000 $ 81,000 $ 6,750 $ 38.94 $ I had eight years' clinical experience and worked full-time at a large dental group; responsibilities included complex periodontal maintenance cases.
03/15/2019 Per Diem / Travel Dental Hygienist 30.0 h 42,000 $ 56,000 $ 4,667 $ 26.92 $ I worked travel/per diem gigs across multiple offices, averaging about three days a week for several months. Higher hourly pay but no benefits.
01/28/2019 Entry-Level Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 64,000 $ 64,000 $ 5,333 $ 30.77 $ This was my first full-time role after graduation at a midsize clinic; benefits included health insurance and continuing ed stipend.
12/06/2018 Clinical Lead Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 77,000 $ 77,000 $ 6,417 $ 37.02 $ I led the hygiene team at a medium-sized group practice, coordinated schedules, and mentored junior staff in addition to clinical duties.
10/22/2018 Part-Time Hygienist 25.0 h 33,000 $ 52,800 $ 4,400 $ 25.38 $ I was part-time to balance family responsibilities, working three half-days per week in a suburban dental office.
06/01/2018 Experienced Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 5,833 $ 33.65 $ I had four years of experience and worked full-time in a downtown clinic focused on preventive care. Benefits and modest bonuses offered.
02/14/2018 Private Practice Dental Hygienist 38.0 h 68,000 $ 71,579 $ 5,965 $ 34.41 $ I worked full-time in a small private practice owned by a single dentist; I handled most of the hygiene schedule and patient education.
12/20/2017 Senior Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 72,000 $ 72,000 $ 6,000 $ 34.62 $ I had six years of experience and held a senior hygienist role at a large multi-dentist practice where I trained newer hygienists.
09/03/2017 Per Diem Dental Hygienist 24.0 h 35,000 $ 58,333 $ 4,861 $ 28.04 $ I worked per diem across several small practices; hours varied but averaged about three days a week. No benefits, but decent hourly rate.
05/12/2017 Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 65,000 $ 65,000 $ 5,417 $ 31.25 $ I was a mid-level hygienist at a busy corporate dental office with multiple locations. Full-time with standard benefits and an annual raise scale.
11/09/2016 Clinical Dental Hygienist 40.0 h 63,000 $ 63,000 $ 5,250 $ 30.29 $ I was hired as a full-time clinical hygienist at a small multi-dentist office with 3 dentists. I had about two years' experience at the time of this report.
07/27/2016 Part-Time Dental Hygienist 20.0 h 30,000 $ 60,000 $ 5,000 $ 28.85 $ I worked part-time while finishing another degree, seeing patients two days a week for preventative cleanings at a solo practice.
03/18/2016 Entry-Level Dental Hygienist 36.0 h 58,000 $ 64,444 $ 5,370 $ 30.98 $ I started here straight out of school and have been full-time for one year at a small family practice. I'm doing routine cleanings and x-rays; benefits are basic.

Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists in Austin, Texas

Austin’s rapid population growth, diverse economy, and family-friendly suburbs continue to create steady demand for preventive oral health services. Dental Hygienists in Austin, Texas, support a market shaped by an influx of tech workers and young families, a large student population, and expanding suburban communities from Round Rock and Georgetown to Buda, Kyle, and Leander. Practices across the Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown metro often report full hygiene schedules and seek clinicians who can handle a mix of preventive care and periodontal therapy while delivering a patient-centered experience.

Texas regulations require dental hygienists to practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist, which keeps opportunities concentrated in general and specialty practices, group practices, and community health settings. Children typically receive dental coverage through Medicaid and CHIP, while adult Medicaid dental benefits are limited, so demand in public health clinics and school-based programs often centers on pediatric and preventive care. In the private sector, employer-sponsored dental benefits and interest in cosmetic and implant-related maintenance help sustain busy hygiene departments.

Labor Market

Austin’s labor market for Dental Hygienists is influenced by strong regional population growth and continued in-migration of employers and residents. The metro’s tech and professional services base—anchored by companies like Apple, Tesla, Samsung, Dell Technologies, and numerous startups—supports a commercially insured patient population. Many private practices expand hours into evenings or weekends to accommodate patient schedules, which can create flexible shifts for hygienists. Suburban corridors along I-35 and SH-130 frequently see new or relocated practices, and job postings often appear in fast-growing areas such as Williamson and Hays counties.

Clinically, employers in Austin typically look for hygienists who are comfortable with periodontal maintenance and non-surgical therapy, digital radiography, and electronic charting. Bilingual Spanish–English skills are valued in many neighborhoods. Continuing education and familiarity with adjunctive technologies—such as intraoral cameras, caries risk assessment protocols, or diode lasers where permitted by practice policies—can strengthen candidacy. Local professional groups, including components of the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association in the Capital Area, provide networking and CE opportunities that align with Texas State Board of Dental Examiners requirements.

Major Employers

Dental Hygienists in Austin, Texas, are commonly hired by a mix of private practices, multi-site dental groups, and community health organizations. Examples include:

  • CommUnityCare Health Centers (FQHC) in Travis County, which offers dental services at select clinics and participates in public health initiatives.
  • Lone Star Circle of Care, serving Central Texas with dental clinics in and around the metro.
  • Castle Dental (part of Smile Brands), operating multiple general dentistry locations across Austin.
  • Brident Dental & Orthodontics, with area offices that provide general and specialty services.
  • Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental–affiliated practices, which often recruit hygienists for growing suburban sites in the Austin area.
  • St. David’s Foundation Mobile Dental Program, a well-known school-based and community outreach effort employing hygienists for preventive services.
  • Austin Community College’s Dental Hygiene program, which can offer roles in clinical instruction or education for experienced hygienists.

In addition, many independent general dentists, pediatric dentists, and periodontists across neighborhoods such as North Austin, Southpark Meadows, Westlake, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Georgetown regularly hire hygienists to support recall, perio programs, and patient education.

Career Opportunities

Career paths for Dental Hygienists in Austin are varied. Clinically, openings range from part-time roles focused on recall to full-time positions emphasizing periodontal therapy and implant maintenance. Hygienists with leadership interest can progress to lead hygienist or hygiene coordinator roles in multi-site groups, contribute to practice growth through case acceptance and patient education, or move into operations and training. Public health offers opportunities to serve pediatric and underserved populations through FQHCs and school-based programs, which can be appealing for clinicians committed to community impact.

For those interested in education, Austin Community College provides a local academic avenue, while industry roles with manufacturers or distributors may be available for hygienists with strong clinical and communication skills. Overall, the Austin market generally favors hygienists who combine evidence-based care with excellent chairside communication, adaptability to different practice management systems, and a collaborative approach with dentists and assistants. Given the metro’s ongoing growth and the emphasis on prevention, the outlook for Dental Hygienists in Austin remains positive across private practice, group practice, and community settings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Hygienist in Austin

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Austin?

The average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Austin is 79,688 $ per year on a 40-hour basis, or 6,641 $ gross per month.

Why are salaries converted to 40 hours?

Part-time and full-time reports are normalized to a 40-hour workweek so salary reports can be compared fairly.

Where can I find more salary comparisons for Dental Hygienist or Austin?

You can find more comparisons on the profession overview for Dental Hygienist and the city overview for Austin. They show reported cities or jobs with their difference from the average.