Average Dental Assistants Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
In the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area, Dental Assistants can expect an average annual salary of $36,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates are influenced by the unique economic landscape and the concentration of dental practices in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,740.
- Outlook: The Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area supports a local workforce of 310 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions. The presence of nearly 2 Dental Assistant jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent need for these professionals within the local healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-24.4%below the national average.
$17.7
$709
$3,071
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Dental Assistants nationwide have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and inflation. This national trend likely influences local compensation, though regional economic conditions may moderate the pace of salary growth in this specific metropolitan area.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, often at the lower end of the pay scale. As professionals gain experience, acquire specialized skills, and potentially move into senior or supervisory roles, their earning potential increases significantly. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries represents a clear career progression path within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,660 | $13.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,638 | $13.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,730 | $17.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,063 | $22.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,740 | $22 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,850 in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is offset by the stable cost of living, making the financial aspect of living in Brownsville-Harlingen comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
1.988
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX has 0.82x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX market has a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it is not disproportionately represented. The job market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Dental Assistants Salary | $34,860↓ 5% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $36,850. This typically ranges from $28,660 for entry-level positions to $45,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 24.4% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,850 is significantly lower than the national average of $48,760. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($34,860) and others.
How does experience impact a Dental Assistant's salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases. Entry-level Dental Assistants earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting their value and expertise in the local market.
What is the job outlook for Dental Assistants in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The outlook is stable, with a consistent need for professionals. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicates ongoing employment opportunities, though the market is not experiencing explosive growth.
Is the cost of living high in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
No, the cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is at the national average (index of 100). This means that expenses for housing, goods, and services are comparable to the national median.
How does Brownsville-Harlingen, TX compare to the national average for Dental Assistant salaries?
The average salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($36,850) is approximately 24% lower than the national average ($48,760), indicating a regional difference in compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 1.988 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX