Dental Assistant Salary in Texas
Based on 33K+ workers in Texas
Median Annual Salary (TX)
$45,430
$21.84/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-7.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $58K
33K employed in Texas
The median Dental Assistant salary in Texas is $45,430 annually, which translates to approximately $22 per hour. This figure falls 7.5% below the national average, indicating a slightly lower earning potential for dental assistants in the Lone Star State compared to other parts of the country.
Several factors influence the Dental Assistant salary in Texas. These include geographic location within Texas, the specific dental practice's size and patient volume, years of experience, and any specialized certifications or additional skills a dental assistant possesses, all contributing to variations within the $35,400 to $57,640 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Texas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,400 |
| 25th percentile | $37,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,430 |
| 75th percentile | $48,280 |
| 90th percentile | $57,640 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Texas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Texas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Texas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,793 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Texas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,430 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,793 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Texas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $57,640 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Texas
How other high-demand occupations in Texas compare to Dental Assistant ($45,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TX | $410,150 | +802.8% | $197.19/hr |
| Radiologist in TX | $319,320 | +602.9% | $153.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in TX | $316,830 | +597.4% | $152.32/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TX | $271,960 | +498.6% | $130.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TX | $269,110 | +492.4% | $129.38/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TX | $244,990 | +439.3% | $117.78/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TX | $235,710 | +418.8% | $113.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TX | $228,460 | +402.9% | $109.84/hr |
| Surgeon in TX | $222,820 | +390.5% | $107.13/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TX | $215,230 | +373.8% | $103.48/hr |
| Podiatrist in TX | $175,520 | +286.4% | $84.38/hr |
| Pediatrician in TX | $173,360 | +281.6% | $83.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Texas?
- The median Dental Assistant salary in Texas is $45,430 per year, or about $22 per hour. This means half of all dental assistants in Texas earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the Texas Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in Texas earn 7.5% less than the national average. The typical Texas salary of $45,430 is lower than the overall national median salary.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Texas?
- The salary range for Dental Assistants in Texas is quite broad, spanning from $35,400 for entry-level positions to $57,640 for those with significant experience or specialized skills. This highlights the potential for growth within the profession.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Texas?
- There are approximately 33,230 Dental Assistants employed in Texas. This substantial number indicates a significant demand for these professionals across the state.