Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $47.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Austin, MN runs $47.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental hygienists in Austin, Minnesota, will earn a median hourly pay of $47.95. This figure is slightly below the national median of $49.49, suggesting that local compensation has room for growth in comparison to national standards. For dental hygienists considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a solid income, while per-diem positions found in settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics offer flexibility for those who prefer variability in their work hours. The hourly range for dental hygienists in Austin varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at about $36.27, while experienced hygienists can earn as much as $58.68 per hour, reflecting a diverse market that can accommodate various experience levels.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($98,738) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.27 | $290.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.18 | $321.45 |
| Median (P50) | $47.95 | $383.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.78 | $414.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.68 | $469.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $47.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.95/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $99,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,537. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,917.88 | $8,311 | $99,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,150.73 | $4,986 | $59,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.15 | $3,324 | $39,892 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Austin) | $47.95 |
| 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 Austin, MN earn a median of $99,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.12% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $105,425.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.95/hr = $59,838/year (purchasing power: $60,749).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,730/year (purchasing power: $101,249).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.95/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Austin (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Austin grew 31.4% from $34.76/hr (2020) to $45.69/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.32/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 Austin 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 Austin
When examining the financial landscape for dental hygienists who opt for part-time work, it's notable that those averaging 24 hours weekly could anticipate earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For example, a part-time hygienist working at this hourly rate would see a marked difference in take-home pay when compared to a full-time position. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Austin often falls between $40 and $60 per hour, allowing for additional income potential, especially for those willing to travel or work varying shifts. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer; solo practices sometimes offer less due to budget constraints, while larger Dental Service Organizations provide competitive rates and benefits, impacting the trade-off decisions dental hygienists must make. Negotiation is key in this sector, as understanding the local market and employer expectations can empower hygienists to advocate effectively for their worth, whether they prioritize immediate pay or benefits in their job offers.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Austin?
Are dental hygienists in Austin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Austin?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Austin?
Related Pages
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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 Austin. 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 Austin 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