Dental Assistant Salary in TexasNo State Income Tax
Dental Assistants in Texas earn an average of $45,009 per year across 5 metro areas. This is +3.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$45,009
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.64
per hour
vs National
-3.3%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$29,314
to $65,962
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$45,009
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$48,397
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Texas's cost of living (below average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $45,009 has the purchasing power of $48,397 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Texas has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in Texas
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | $50,644 | $24.35/hr | $33,323 | $71,908 | 329 |
| Dallas, TX | $47,893 | $23.03/hr | $31,798 | $69,793 | 417 |
| Houston, TX | $44,941 | $21.61/hr | $29,340 | $66,817 | 436 |
| San Antonio, TX | $42,128 | $20.25/hr | $26,972 | $62,577 | 324 |
| El Paso, TX | $39,438 | $18.96/hr | $25,136 | $58,716 | 349 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Texas vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Texas
There are approximately 1,855 Dental Assistants employed across 5 metro areas in Texas.
Key Industries: Energy & Oil, Technology, Healthcare
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Dental Assistant Salary Range in Texas
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$29,314
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$45,009
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$65,962
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Texas
Nurse Practitioner
$122,658
avg in TX
+$77,649 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$90,049
avg in TX
+$45,040 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$86,888
avg in TX
+$41,879 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$57,242
avg in TX
+$12,233 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$36,400
avg in TX
-$8,609 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in Texas with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in Texas?
The average Dental Assistant salary in Texas is $45,009 per year ($21.64/hour) based on 2026 data across 5 metro areas. This is 3.3% below the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Texas?
Austin, TX is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Texas, with a median salary of $50,644 per year. The lowest paying metro area is El Paso, TX at $39,438.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Texas?
Dental Assistant salaries in Texas range from $29,314 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $65,962 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $45,009 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Texas. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.