Dental Hygienist in Wichita Falls, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

As someone who’s watched the dental hygiene job market here for years, I can tell you that Wichita Falls offers a solid middle ground. It’s not a high-cost coastal city, but it’s not a small town with stagnant wages either. The median salary for a Dental Hygienist here is $84,615/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.68/hour. For context, the national average sits at $87,530/year, meaning you’re earning about 3.3% less than the U.S. median. That’s a reasonable trade-off for our significantly lower cost of living.

The local job market is stable, with 205 jobs currently listed in the metro area. This isn’t a boomtown, but it’s a reliable one. The 10-year job growth for Dental Hygienists in Texas is projected at 9%, which aligns with the national trend and suggests steady demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Est.)	Hourly Rate (Est.)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $78,000	$33.65 - $37.50
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$80,000 - $90,000	$38.46 - $43.27
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$88,000 - $98,000	$42.31 - $47.12
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000+	$45.67 - $52.88+

Compared to other Texas cities, Wichita Falls sits in the middle of the pack. It’s behind high-cost metros like Austin and Dallas but ahead of smaller, more rural markets. The key advantage here is that while your take-home pay might be slightly less than in a major metro, your dollar stretches much further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what that $84,615 means for your monthly budget in Wichita Falls. This is where the city’s low cost of living becomes your biggest asset.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $84,615 / 12 = $7,051.25
• Taxes (Est. 25%): Federal, FICA, and State. Texas has no state income tax, which is a huge plus. A 25% effective rate is a conservative estimate for this income level.
• Rent: The citywide average for a 1BR apartment is $843/month. We’ll use this, though some neighborhoods are pricier.
• Retirement (5%): 401(k) contribution.
• Health Insurance (Est. 5%): Premiums can vary by employer.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Income	$7,051
Taxes (25%)	-$1,763	No state income tax in TX.
Net Income (Take-Home)	$5,288
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$843
Retirement (5%)	-$353
Health Insurance (5%)	-$353
Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transportation, Debt, Savings	$3,739

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $3,739 left over after core expenses, homeownership is very feasible. The median home price in Wichita Falls is around $200,000 - $230,000. A 20% down payment ($40k-$46k) is a stretch but doable with savings. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $210,000 home could be around $1,200 - $1,400, which is well within your remaining budget. Many dental offices here also offer benefits that include a dental plan for you and your family, which is a significant cost saver.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The dental hygiene job market here isn’t dominated by a single hospital system. Instead, it’s a mix of private practices, corporate chains, and public health. Here are the key players:

1. Midwestern State University (MSU) Dental Clinic: A major employer for hygienists, especially those interested in academia or serving a diverse patient population. It’s located on the south side of town near the campus. Hiring is often seasonal (around semesters) and competitive.
2. Corporate Chains (Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental): These have a significant presence in Wichita Falls, often with multiple locations. They offer structured schedules, benefits, and often a focus on production. Locations are typically in high-traffic areas like near Sikes Senter Mall or along Kell Blvd.
3. Large Private Group Practices: Offices like Advanced Dentistry or City View Dentistry (both in the northern part of the city) often have multiple hygienists and offer a more traditional private practice feel. These are great for building long-term patient relationships.
4. Public Health (Wichita County Public Health District): They occasionally hire for community dental programs. These roles are mission-driven and offer government benefits, but pay may be on the lower end of the scale.
5. Military Bases: While not a direct employer for civilians, Sheppard Air Force Base has a large dental clinic. Contractors sometimes hire for these positions, offering a unique work environment and federal benefits.
6. Pediatric Specialists: Practices like Pediatric Dentistry of Wichita Falls are always in need of hygienists skilled with children. These roles often command a premium due to the specialty and patience required.

Hiring Trends: Private practices are currently the most active hirers. There’s a noticeable demand for hygienists who are proficient with digital charting (Dentrix, Eaglesoft) and who have a warm bedside manner. Corporate offices tend to have higher turnover but more frequent openings.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to get your Texas Dental Hygienist License. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Accredited Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. If you’re licensed in another state, Texas may require your school to be equivalent.
2. National Board Exam: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. State Jurisprudence Exam: Texas requires its own jurisprudence exam, which focuses on Texas laws and regulations. It’s taken online and is relatively short.
4. Regional Clinical Exam: You must pass a clinical exam from one of the approved regional testing agencies (like the Central Regional Dental Testing Service - CRDTS).
5. CPR Certification: Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is required.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Estimated Cost (if starting fresh): $2,000 - $3,500. This includes exam fees ($500-$1000), application fees to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners ($~200), and any travel for clinical exams.
• Timeline: From application to a fully licensed hygienist, expect 3 to 6 months. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) processes applications. Insider Tip: Start your application the moment you have your final transcripts and exam scores. The TSBDE can be methodical, and you don’t want a paperwork delay holding up a job offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Your commute and lifestyle will depend on where you work. Here’s a neighborhood guide:

1. Burkburnett (North): If you work at the dental clinics near MSU or in the northern commercial corridor (like on Kell Blvd), Burkburnett is a 15-minute commute. It’s a quieter, small-town feel with apartment rents from $750-$900. Family-friendly and safe.
2. Southside (South of I-44): Home to MSU and the newer medical developments. This area is convenient if you work at the university clinic or the southside corporate offices. Rents are slightly higher, around $850-$950 for a 1BR, but you’re closer to parks and the new athletic complex.
3. Downtown/Midtown: For the urbanite. A 5-10 minute commute to most dental offices. You’ll find historic homes, lofts, and walkable streets. Rents can vary widely ($700-$1,100). The vibe is more social and artsy, with local coffee shops and bistros.
4. Westside: A mix of older homes and newer developments. It’s a straightforward commute to most employers (10-15 minutes). Rents are very affordable, often under $800. It’s a solid, no-frills neighborhood with good value.
5. Lakeside City (East): If you work at a practice east of town, this small town is a short drive. It’s even more affordable than Burkburnett, with rents from $700-$800, offering a tight-knit community feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Wichita Falls, career growth for a hygienist isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder in a giant firm. It’s about specialization, ownership, or branching into education.

• Specialty Premiums: Hygienists in periodontal or pediatric offices can command a 5-15% premium over the general practice median. That means moving from $84,615 toward $90,000-$97,000. Becoming a certified LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) provider can further increase your value.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Lead: In a group practice, you can move into a lead hygienist role, managing schedules and training new hires. Pay bump is modest but adds leadership experience.
  • Education: With a master’s degree, you can become a clinical instructor at MSU’s dental hygiene program. This is a stable, rewarding path with state benefits.
  • Business Owner: The ultimate goal for some. Opening your own mobile hygiene business or a small specialty practice is possible, though it requires capital and business savvy. Wichita Falls has room for niche services like in-home care or cosmetic-focused hygiene.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 9% job growth, the market will remain stable. The biggest opportunities will be for hygienists who embrace technology (intraoral scanners, teledentistry consultations) and who build a personal reputation for patient comfort and education. The local dental community is small—word of mouth travels fast.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $84,615 salary feels like $110,000+ in many other cities.	Limited High-End Specialty Care: Fewer major dental specialty practices than in larger metros.
Stable Job Market: 205 jobs and 9% growth offer security.	Slower Pace: Less fast-paced, urban energy.
No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.	Geographic Isolation: You’re a 2-3 hour drive from Dallas or Fort Worth.
Manageable Commutes: Rarely more than 20 minutes.	Cultural & Dining Scene: Improving but still modest compared to a major city.
Strong Sense of Community: Locals are friendly and engaged.	Weather: Hot, dry summers and occasional severe storms.

Final Recommendation: Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a dental hygienist who prioritizes financial stability, work-life balance, and community over the hustle of a major metropolis. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, or build a long-term career without the pressure of a hyper-competitive market. If you crave constant new trends, a vast social scene, and frequent travel, it might feel too quiet. But for a balanced, affordable life where you can thrive professionally and personally, it’s a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know Spanish?
It’s not a requirement, but it’s a huge asset. Wichita Falls has a growing Hispanic community. Being bilingual will make you a more competitive candidate and is invaluable for patient communication and trust.

2. How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. New graduates should target corporate chains and public health roles to get their foot in the door. Building a strong resume with volunteer experience (e.g., at community dental fairs) helps. The 205 listed jobs suggest active openings.

3. What’s the typical work schedule?
Most private practices operate Monday-Thursday, 8-5, and some offer half-days on Friday. Corporate offices may have more flexible or extended hours. It’s common to have a 4-day work week, which is a major perk for work-life balance.

4. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes, and it’s reflected in all areas. The Cost of Living Index is 88.9 (US avg = 100). Groceries, utilities, and gas are all noticeably cheaper than the national average. Your biggest expense will be housing, but at $843/month for a 1BR, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay in Austin or Dallas.

5. What are the best resources for finding a job?

• Local Dental Associations: The North Texas Dental Society (NTDS) often posts jobs for members.
• Direct Contact: Call or visit practices you’re interested in. Many don’t post online.
• State Board Listings: The TSBDE website sometimes lists openings at public health sites.
• Word of Mouth: Tell everyone you meet you’re a hygienist looking for work. The local network is powerful.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, U.S. Census Bureau, local rental market listings, and personal observations from the Wichita Falls community.