Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Friendswood, TX: $44.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Friendswood, TX runs $44.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Friendswood's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,595 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Friendswood, Texas, dental hygienists receive a median hourly rate of $44.55, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $49.49. For part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, this equates to approximately $1,426 weekly, or about $74,200 annually, providing a decent income. This hourly figure also ranges from $36.61 for entry-level positions to $56.37 for experienced professionals, indicating a structured pay scale typical in dental settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and even public health clinics. The pay reflects local market conditions and is derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, illustrating the financial landscape dental hygienists encounter in this community.
About the Friendswood 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) | $36.61 | $292.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.48 | $315.83 |
| Median (P50) | $44.55 | $356.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.23 | $393.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.37 | $450.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Friendswood
Based on $44.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.55/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Friendswood, TX can expect to earn approximately $92,658 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,456. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Friendswood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Friendswood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,781.88 | $7,721 | $92,658 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,069.13 | $4,633 | $55,595 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $712.75 | $3,089 | $37,063 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Friendswood) | $44.55 |
| 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 Friendswood, TX earn a median of $92,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.00% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $95,814.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.55/hr = $55,595/year (purchasing power: $57,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,658/year (purchasing power: $96,519).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$36.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.55/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Friendswood (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Friendswood grew 16.1% from $36.55/hr (2020) to $42.45/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.75/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 Friendswood 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 Friendswood
Looking at the broader context of dental hygienist hourly pay in Friendswood reveals important dynamics. Working part-time as a dental hygienist can yield different financial outcomes compared to full-time employment, particularly for those professionals prioritizing work-life balance and flexibility. Per-diem arrangements often see hygienists earning between $40-$60 an hour, especially when engaging with temp agencies in metro areas, although this can vary widely based on employer types. Positions in solo practices, multi-doctor groups, and Dental Service Organizations may pay differently due to the varied financial structures within these entities. Many dental hygienists in Friendswood may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, a decision often influenced by personal circumstances. Negotiation for hourly rates can be pivotal; professionals are encouraged to research local benchmarks, emphasize their skills and experience, and consider the overall compensation package when engaging potential employers in this thriving dental market.
More salary data for Friendswood, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Friendswood in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Friendswood?
Are dental hygienists in Friendswood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Friendswood?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Friendswood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Friendswood. 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 Friendswood 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