McAllen vs San Antonio: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between McAllen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McAllen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,399 | $47,362▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.46 | $22.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,901 | $38,121▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,767 | $40,565▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,351 | $48,631▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,918 | $50,662▲ |
| Total Employed | 670 | 3,820▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between McAllen and San Antonio is $8,963 (23.34%). San Antonio's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McAllen spans $16,017,San Antonio spans $12,541. McAllen 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, San Antonio ($50,004 effective) pays 11.85% more than McAllen ($44,705 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,362/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,662)
- ✓Larger job market (3,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,004)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in McAllen grew 18.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
McAllen, TX
$31,340 (2019) → $37,230 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$36,700 (2019) → $45,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McAllen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: McAllen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between McAllen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from McAllen to San Antonio as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in McAllen vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
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