Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Lufkin, TX: $43.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Lufkin, TX runs $43.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,980 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Lufkin's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,586 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lufkin, Texas, dental hygienists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $43.74 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This established rate reflects the local job market for dental hygienists, offering opportunities for both full-time and part-time work in various settings, such as general dentistry offices, specialty practices, and public health clinics. For those opting for part-time work, such as a typical three-day week, the hourly earnings can provide a sustainable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay ranges from $34.84 for entry-level positions to $53.72 for more experienced practitioners, illustrating the growth potential in this profession.
About the Lufkin 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) | $34.84 | $278.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.81 | $302.48 |
| Median (P50) | $43.74 | $349.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.47 | $379.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.72 | $429.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lufkin
Based on $43.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.74/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lufkin, TX can expect to earn approximately $90,977 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,487. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lufkin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lufkin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,749.56 | $7,581 | $90,977 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,049.74 | $4,549 | $54,586 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.82 | $3,033 | $36,391 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Lufkin) | $43.74 |
| 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 Lufkin, TX earn a median of $90,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $95,869.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.74/hr = $54,586/year (purchasing power: $56,861).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,977/year (purchasing power: $94,768).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.74/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Lufkin (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Lufkin grew 16.1% from $35.89/hr (2020) to $41.68/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.90/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 Lufkin 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 Lufkin
When considering part-time earning potential, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually compared to a full-time colleague. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Lufkin can vary, as many traveling hygienists may find opportunities with temp agencies that typically offer rates between $40-$60 per hour, though this fluctuates based on location and employer type. Various employment settings, including solo practices versus Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), can also affect hourly rates; for instance, DSOs may provide higher wages but might not offer the same benefits compared to private practices. Thus, some RDHs may choose employers based on the trade-offs between hourly pay and health insurance options. Professionals in Lufkin would benefit from negotiation strategies tailored to the local market, highlighting their skills and the current demand for dental hygienists as they seek competitive compensation.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lufkin. 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 Lufkin 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