Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, TX: $43.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Fredericksburg, TX runs $43.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,141 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, TX, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at a median of $43.38, which aligns closely with the city's cost of living index of 96, indicating affordability compared to the national average. This rate is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.49, reflecting regional economic conditions. For those in part-time roles—working around three days a week—this hourly wage translates into a substantial income, especially in settings like general dental practices or pediatric clinics. The hourly range varies considerably, reaching from $36.02 for entry-level positions to $53.61 for top earners. This range highlights the income potential for dental hygienists, whether employed directly or engaging in per diem roles throughout Fredericksburg's dental offices and health clinics.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $36.02 | $288.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.36 | $306.84 |
| Median (P50) | $43.38 | $347.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.45 | $379.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.61 | $428.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $43.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.38/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, TX can expect to earn approximately $90,235 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,059. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,735.29 | $7,520 | $90,235 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,041.17 | $4,512 | $54,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.12 | $3,008 | $36,094 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Fredericksburg) | $43.38 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, TX earn a median of $90,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.34% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.90% below the Texas state average of $95,900.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.38/hr = $54,141/year (purchasing power: $56,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,235/year (purchasing power: $93,995).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.38/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Fredericksburg (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fredericksburg grew 16.1% from $35.60/hr (2020) to $41.34/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.53/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Considering the financial landscape for dental hygienists, a part-time professional working three days a week could expect to make a solid income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. Earning approximately $41,000 annually (based on a consistent 24 hours per week) may appeal to those valuing flexible schedules. In per diem settings, compensation can vary significantly. Though local per diem pay averages around the hourly rate of $40 to $60, it is imperative to note that hygienists in high-cost areas like San Francisco or New York can command $60 to $85 per hour. Within Fredericksburg, the type of employer significantly impacts hourly rates: solo practices might offer different pay compared to Dental Service Organizations, which frequently provide added benefits that can justify a lower hourly wage. Hygienists weighing their options should also consider their overall compensation package and whether benefits, such as health insurance, are worth a lower hourly rate. Effective negotiation tactics also play a vital role in securing favorable arrangements, especially at the onset of employment.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Fredericksburg?
Are dental hygienists in Fredericksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Fredericksburg?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Fredericksburg?
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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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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