Austin vs Houston: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,023▲ | $45,103 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.05▲ | $21.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,780▲ | $31,499 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,771▲ | $38,121 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,254▲ | $50,188 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,463▲ | $56,892 |
| Total Employed | 3,010 | 8,150▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $4,920 (10.91%). Austin's median is +0.90% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $28,683,Houston spans $25,393. Austin 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, Austin ($51,010 effective) pays 11.55% more than Houston ($45,730 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,023/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,463)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,010)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Austin grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$41,880 (2019) → $48,500 (2025)
Houston, TX
$35,950 (2019) → $43,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Austin vs Houston?
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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