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Average Dental Assistants Salary in Texas

Dental Assistants in Texas earn an average annual salary of $42,520, which is below the national average of $48,760. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors including the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand dynamics within the dental care sector across Texas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,400.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 31,360 Dental Assistants, Texas demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of Dental Assistants in Texas is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and robust job market with consistent demand for these skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,520

The average Dental Assistants in Texas earns-12.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.4

Weekly

$818

Monthly

$3,543

Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Texas

The career path for Dental Assistants in Texas offers clear opportunities for salary growth. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this progression, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$29,970$14.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$31,890$15.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$42,270$20.3
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$53,150$25.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$55,400$26.6

Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,720

Adjusted for COL (93)

The average annual salary of $42,520 in Texas presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 93. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Texas is slightly higher than the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle relative to the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

31,360

Total Jobs

2.265

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Texas has 0.93x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that Dental Assistants are slightly less concentrated in Texas compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there might be slightly less competition for roles, potentially offering good opportunities for job seekers entering the market or those looking to relocate.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Killeen-Temple, TX Dental Assistants Salary$40,710↓ 4%10 mi
Waco, TX Dental Assistants Salary$39,750↓ 7%41 mi
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Dental Assistants Salary$49,580↑ 17%53 mi
College Station-Bryan, TX Dental Assistants Salary$39,210↓ 8%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dental Assistants make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Texas is $42,520. This typically ranges from $29,970 for entry-level positions to $55,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 12.8% lower than the national median of $48,760.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?

No, not compared to the national average.Dental Assistants in Texas earn approximately $6,240 less annually than the national average. However, the lower cost of living in Texas helps to offset this difference in nominal salary.

Is Texas a good place to live for Dental Assistants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($40,710) and Waco, TX.

What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Texas?

The average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Texas is $42,520.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Texas ($42,520) is lower than the national average ($48,760) by approximately $6,240 per year.

What is the Cost of Living in Texas compared to the national average?

Texas has a Cost of Living Index of 93, which is 7% lower than the national average of 100.

How many Dental Assistants work in Texas?

There are approximately 31,360 Dental Assistants employed in Texas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 31,360 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 2.265 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texas