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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metropolitan area, Dental Assistants earn an average annual salary of $46,470. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a common occurrence in regions where the cost of living is not a significant upward pressure on wages. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the dental industry in this expansive Texas region contribute to this compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,460.
  • Outlook: The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area supports a substantial workforce of 8,310 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of over 2,000 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for dental professionals within this large metropolitan hub.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,470

The average Dental Assistants in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX earns-4.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.3

Weekly

$894

Monthly

$3,873

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

The career trajectory for Dental Assistants in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or expanded duties can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$37,220$17.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$34,853$16.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$46,830$22.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$58,088$27.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$56,460$27.1

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, the average Dental Assistant salary of $46,470 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the nominal wage effectively covers living expenses without significant strain or surplus compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

8,310

Total Jobs

2.074

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX has 0.85x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.85 for Dental Assistants in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, suggests that the job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, indicating fewer Dental Assistants per capita than the typical U.S. region, the substantial total workforce size of 8,310 points to a robust and active employment landscape for these professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

Comparing salaries near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

Hiring Dental Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $46,470. This typically ranges from $37,220 for entry-level positions to $56,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 4.7% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $46,470 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating comparable earning potential and purchasing power.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sherman-Denison, TX ($40,900) and Waco, TX.

How does the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX salary compare to the national average for Dental Assistants?

The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $46,470, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,760.

What is the Cost of Living in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX for Dental Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning living expenses are comparable to the rest of the United States.

How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?

The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.85, indicating slightly fewer Dental Assistants per worker compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Dental Assistants in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area?

There are approximately 8,310 Dental Assistants employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,310 employees in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area with a job density of 2.074 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.