Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$52,000 vs $63,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$51,485 vs $50,806
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$44,837 vs $46,945
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $52,000 | $63,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,040 | $48,510▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,560 | $80,640▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,200 | $100,800▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,485▲ | $50,806 | +$679 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $45,285 | $58,212▲ | -$12,927 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,837 | $46,945▲ | -$2,108 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 95,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $11,000 more (median: $52,000 vs $63,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($51,485 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.