San Antonio vs Waco: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between San Antonio, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,362▲ | $45,361 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.77▲ | $21.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,121▲ | $36,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,565▲ | $36,842 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,631 | $48,806▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,662 | $59,501▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,820▲ | 250 |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Waco is $2,001 (4.41%). 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,Waco spans $23,361. Waco 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 2.02% more than Waco ($49,012 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 Waco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,501)
- ✓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 26.0% growth in Waco over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$36,700 (2019) → $45,920 (2025)
Waco, TX
$34,910 (2019) → $43,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: San Antonio or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Waco?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Waco as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in San Antonio vs Waco?
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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