Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Nacogdoches, TX: $43.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Nacogdoches, TX runs $43.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,972 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Nacogdoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,586 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nacogdoches, TX, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $43.74, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This figure offers a snapshot for those considering part-time positions or per diem work, indicating that hygienists working three days a week can expect a stable income while managing their schedules around personal obligations. Entry-level positions typically pay around $34.79 per hour, while the top earners in the field can reach upwards of $53.71 per hour. The hourly rates here are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the unique dynamics of the local job market, especially in settings like general dentistry offices and community health clinics.
About the Nacogdoches 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) | $34.79 | $278.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.83 | $294.67 |
| Median (P50) | $43.74 | $349.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.43 | $379.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.71 | $429.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nacogdoches
Based on $43.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.74/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nacogdoches, TX can expect to earn approximately $90,977 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,487. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nacogdoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nacogdoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,749.56 | $7,581 | $90,977 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,049.74 | $4,549 | $54,586 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.82 | $3,033 | $36,391 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Nacogdoches) | $43.74 |
| 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 Nacogdoches, TX earn a median of $90,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.63% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $95,861.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.74/hr = $54,586/year (purchasing power: $56,861).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,977/year (purchasing power: $94,768).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.74/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Nacogdoches (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Nacogdoches grew 16.1% from $35.89/hr (2020) to $41.68/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.90/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 Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
Analyzing the earning potential further, a dental hygienist working 24 hours per week in Nacogdoches would see a significant difference in annual income compared to a full-time hygienist. While part-time hygienists may enjoy a better work-life balance, they should expect an annual take-home that is proportionate to their reduced hours, which could translate to less job security. For those considering per diem positions, rates offered by temp agencies can range from $40 to $60 per hour, slightly above the local average, but high-cost living cities can see these figures rise significantly. Hourly pay can also vary based on employer type; Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and periodontal practices may offer higher rates than traditional solo practices. Hygienists must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates that provide health insurance against higher pay scales that lack such benefits. When negotiating compensation in Nacogdoches, it is advisable to highlight one's credentials and possibly discuss the added value of previous experience, especially in light of the growing competition from newer graduates entering the field.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Nacogdoches in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Nacogdoches?
Are dental hygienists in Nacogdoches paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Nacogdoches?
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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 Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches 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