Houston vs Odessa: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Houston, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,103 | $45,691▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.68 | $21.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,499 | $36,759▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,121▲ | $37,956 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,188▲ | $48,270 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,892 | $60,430▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,150▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Odessa, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Odessa is $588 (1.30%). Odessa's median is -7.84% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $25,393,Odessa spans $23,671. Houston 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, Odessa ($48,661 effective) pays 6.41% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,691/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,430)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,661)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Houston grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.1% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Houston, TX
$35,950 (2019) → $43,730 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$39,860 (2019) → $44,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Houston or Odessa?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Odessa as a dental assistant?
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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