Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Detroit, MI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Detroit, MI and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$49,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$55,056 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$48,710 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $49,000 | $63,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,730 | $48,510▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,720 | $80,640▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,400 | $100,800▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 124 | -35 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $55,056▲ | $50,806 | +$4,250 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $43,352 | $58,212▲ | -$14,860 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $48,710▲ | $46,945 | +$1,765 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 95,000 | -57,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $49,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 124), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($55,056 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.