Average Dental Assistants Salary in Killeen-Temple, TX
Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple, TX, earn an average annual salary of $40,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic influence compensation in this Texas region. Understanding these local nuances is key for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,420.
- Outlook: The Killeen-Temple area supports a dedicated workforce of 440 Dental Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.21, indicating a concentration 21% higher than the national average, there's a clear local demand for these professionals, suggesting a stable job market within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple, TX earns-16.5%below the national average.
$19.6
$783
$3,393
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Dental Assistant salaries in Killeen-Temple, like most markets, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dental services, and the need to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Killeen-Temple, TX
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the standard percentile gaps seen in career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,550 | $14.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,533 | $14.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,160 | $18.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $50,888 | $24.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $51,420 | $24.7 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,710 in Killeen-Temple aligns perfectly 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 income locally is equivalent to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally expensive nor cheap to live.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
2.957
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Killeen-Temple, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.21 signifies that Dental Assistants are more concentrated in Killeen-Temple than the national average. This suggests a robust local market with a higher proportion of these roles relative to the overall workforce, potentially indicating strong demand and a competitive environment for hiring.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $38,890↓ 4% | 10 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $38,500↓ 5% | 10 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $40,520↓ 0% | 10 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $37,230↓ 9% | 10 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $39,100↓ 4% | 10 mi |
Comparing salaries near Killeen-Temple, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Killeen-Temple, TX?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple, TX is $40,710. This typically ranges from $30,550 for entry-level positions to $51,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Killeen-Temple, TX is 16.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Killeen-Temple, TX a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $40,710 is significantly lower than the national average of $48,760, indicating less lucrative earning potential locally.
Is Killeen-Temple, TX a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Killeen-Temple, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($38,890) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Killeen-Temple Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple, TX is $40,710, which is $8,050 less than the national average of $48,760.
What is the concentration of Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.21, meaning there are 21% more Dental Assistants in Killeen-Temple relative to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Dental Assistant salary in Killeen-Temple?
The cost of living in Killeen-Temple is at the national average (100). This means the $40,710 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national salary average.
How many Dental Assistants work in Killeen-Temple?
There are approximately 440 Dental Assistants employed in the Killeen-Temple, TX area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Killeen-Temple, TX area with a job density of 2.957 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 Killeen-Temple, TX