Dallas vs Waco: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Dallas, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,902▲ | $100,050 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.40▲ | $48.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,669 | $84,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,648▲ | $87,688 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,150▲ | $102,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,991▲ | $105,496 |
| Total Employed | 7,050▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Dallas and Waco is $6,852 (6.85%). Dallas's median is +3.84% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $73,322,Waco spans $20,537. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waco ($108,104 effective) pays 4.25% more than Dallas ($103,698 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,902/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,991)
- ✓Larger job market (7,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Waco if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,104)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Dallas grew 21.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Waco over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$83,680 (2020) → $101,870 (2025)
Waco, TX
$74,550 (2020) → $95,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Dallas or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Waco?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov