Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Pittsburgh, PA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$50,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$55,556 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$49,758 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $50,000 | $63,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,500 | $48,510▲ | -$10,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,000 | $80,640▲ | -$16,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,000 | $100,800▲ | -$20,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 124 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $55,556▲ | $50,806 | +$4,750 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $44,782 | $58,212▲ | -$13,430 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $49,758▲ | $46,945 | +$2,813 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 95,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $13,000 more (median: $50,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 124), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($55,556 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.