Average Dental Assistants Salary in Waco, TX
Dental Assistants in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $39,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $48,760, reflecting regional economic factors and local demand dynamics. While the cost of living in Waco is on par with the national average, the lower salary indicates a less competitive market for these professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,450.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 Dental Assistants, Waco presents a modest but stable employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that the concentration of Dental Assistants in Waco is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Waco, TX earns-18.5%below the national average.
$19.1
$764
$3,313
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waco is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Dental Assistants nationwide have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare demands and evolving responsibilities. This upward trend is likely mirrored to some extent in Waco, though potentially at a more moderate pace.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
The career trajectory for Dental Assistants in Waco, TX, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Dental Assistants with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. These percentile gaps highlight clear opportunities for professional advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,660 | $14.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,813 | $14.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,710 | $17.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $49,688 | $23.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,450 | $23.3 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,750 in Waco, TX, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Waco is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal income is lower, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
2.09
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.86x 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 0.86 for Dental Assistants in Waco, TX, indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not saturated, the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $38,890↓ 2% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $38,500↓ 3% | 41 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $40,520↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $37,230↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $39,100↓ 2% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Waco, TX is $39,750. This typically ranges from $29,660 for entry-level positions to $48,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 18.5% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, Waco, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Dental Assistants.The average salary of $39,750 is significantly lower than the national average, despite the cost of living being at par with the national average.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($38,890) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Waco, TX, earn an average of $39,750 annually, which is approximately $9,010 less than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Waco, TX for Dental Assistants?
The cost of living in Waco, TX, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard.
How many Dental Assistants are there in Waco, TX?
Waco, TX has a local workforce of approximately 270 Dental Assistants, representing 2.09 jobs per 1,000 workers in the general labor force.
Is the concentration of Dental Assistants high in Waco, TX?
The concentration of Dental Assistants in Waco, TX, is slightly below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.86, suggesting a moderately present but not overly saturated job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 2.09 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 Waco, TX