Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$56,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$51,852 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$45,281 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $56,000 | $63,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,120 | $48,510▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,680 | $80,640▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,600 | $100,800▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,852▲ | $50,806 | +$1,046 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $48,903 | $58,212▲ | -$9,309 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $45,281 | $46,945▲ | -$1,664 |
| Total Employment | 75,000 | 95,000 | -20,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $7,000 more (median: $56,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($51,852 vs $50,806 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.