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Dental Hygienist in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Texas employs 16,380 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $99,240 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Dental hygienists Earn in Texas (May 2025)

Texas median pay: $99,240 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $71,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $107,320
Top earners (90th percentile): $117,890
Employed in Texas: 16,380
U.S. median (for comparison): $94,260 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Texas markets:

Austin: $105,480 (1,270 employed)
Houston: $104,930 (3,060 employed)
Dallas–Fort Worth: $101,870 (7,050 employed)
San Antonio: $98,480 (920 employed)
El Paso: $84,660 (320 employed)
McAllen: $82,940 (210 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Texas

Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $99,240 median stretches to roughly $102,204 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)

Texas is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +21.8%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Texas License and Certification Requirements

Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (typically a 2-year associate degree, often with a competitive waitlist).
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical examination.
Apply to TSBDE with current BLS CPR certification and the required human trafficking prevention course. Renewal: 24 CE hours biennially plus a jurisprudence assessment every four years.

Official requirements: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) →

Training in Texas

Texas CODA-accredited programs include those at Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Dallas), UT Health San Antonio, Austin Community College, and several community colleges. Prerequisites and waitlists commonly add a year — plan the full timeline before quitting your current job.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:

Amarillo College — Associate
Austin Community College District — Associate
Blinn College District — Associate
Coastal Bend College — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.

Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.

Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.

First Steps

Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental hygienists make in Texas?

The median wage for dental hygienists in Texas is $99,240 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $71,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $117,890. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Texas?

Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (typically a 2-year associate degree, often with a competitive waitlist).

Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Texas?

Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.

Which Texas metros pay dental hygienists the most?

Among Texas metro areas, Austin leads at $105,480, followed by Houston ($104,930), Dallas–Fort Worth ($101,870). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Dental Hygienist in Texas?

Real Texas options include Amarillo College, Austin Community College District, Blinn College District. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Texas?

Texas projects dental hygienists employment to change +21.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,370 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Texas wages · Texas licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.