Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$68,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$39,306 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$32,942 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000▲ | $63,000 | +$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,360▲ | $48,510 | +$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,040▲ | $80,640 | +$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $108,800▲ | $100,800 | +$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $39,306 | $50,806▲ | -$11,500 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $56,989 | $58,212▲ | -$1,223 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $32,942 | $46,945▲ | -$14,003 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 95,000 | +25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $5,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($39,306 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.