Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Port Arthur, TX: $50.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Port Arthur, TX runs $50.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Port Arthur's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,706 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Port Arthur, the 2026 estimated dental hygienist hourly pay is set at $50.25, which slightly exceeds the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate positions part-time workers, such as those operating just three days a week, to earn an appealing income that can support both professional and personal commitments. For instance, a per diem dental hygienist in Port Arthur can potentially earn between $38.37 and $63.17 based on experience and demand, which is advantageous for work settings ranging from general dentistry practices to specialty clinics. These hourly wage estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect a diverse landscape where individuals can find various working arrangements that suit their lifestyle.
About the Port Arthur 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) | $38.37 | $306.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.44 | $339.50 |
| Median (P50) | $50.25 | $401.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.95 | $439.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.17 | $505.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Arthur
Based on $50.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.25/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Arthur, TX can expect to earn approximately $104,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,294. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Port Arthur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Arthur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,009.81 | $8,709 | $104,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.89 | $5,226 | $62,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.92 | $3,484 | $41,804 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Port Arthur) | $50.25 |
| 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 Port Arthur, TX earn a median of $104,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.51% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 9.00% above the Texas state average of $95,872.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.25/hr = $62,706/year (purchasing power: $65,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,510/year (purchasing power: $108,865).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$38.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.25/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Port Arthur (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Port Arthur grew 25.0% from $38.29/hr (2020) to $47.88/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.73/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 Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
For those considering part-time roles, a dental hygienist working 24 hours per week in Port Arthur could take home approximately $62,520 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still a viable option for many. Agency work offers a different avenue; per diem dental hygienist pay in the region can range, with temp agencies usually offering between $40 and $60 per hour. Competing locations, such as higher-cost urban centers, can push this figure even higher—up to $85 per hour. Various employment settings influence hourly pay, as solo practices often provide lower wages compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialized offices. While some dental hygienists opt for lower hourly rates if it includes benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without the safety net. Negotiation is critical in Port Arthur; being clear about expectations and understanding prevailing rates can empower hygienists to find positions that best meet their financial needs.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Port Arthur in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Port Arthur?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Port Arthur?
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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 Port Arthur. 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 Port Arthur 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