Arlington vs Dallas: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Arlington, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,073 | $49,064▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.11 | $23.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,547 | $37,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,295 | $46,795▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,341▲ | $51,219 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,675▲ | $60,553 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 9,010▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Dallas is $991 (2.06%). Dallas's median is -1.04% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $30,128,Dallas spans $22,577. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($50,076 effective) pays 5.22% more than Dallas ($47,593 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,675)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,076)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,064/year)
- ✓Larger job market (9,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Arlington grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$43,456 (2024) → $46,609 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$42,020 (2019) → $47,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Arlington or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Dallas as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Arlington vs Dallas?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov