San Antonio vs Temple: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between San Antonio, TX and Temple, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Temple, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,362▲ | $45,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.77▲ | $21.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,121▲ | $36,511 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,565 | $42,642▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,631 | $55,431▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,662 | $59,353▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,820▲ | 14 |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Temple.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Temple is $1,892 (4.16%). 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 San Antonio spans $12,541,Temple spans $22,842. Temple has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Antonio ($50,004 effective) pays 5.57% more than Temple ($47,365 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,362/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,004)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Temple if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,353)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in San Antonio grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Temple over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$36,700 (2019) → $45,920 (2025)
Temple, TX
$41,475 (2024) → $44,086 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Temple, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: San Antonio or Temple?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Temple?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Temple as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in San Antonio vs Temple?
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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