Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Abilene, TX: $19.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Abilene, TX runs $19.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Abilene's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,457 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Abilene, Texas, achieve a median hourly rate of $19.60, which is significantly lower than the national median of $23.84. This compensation reflects the local job market, where part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, can yield about $23,396 annually before taxes. For per-diem workers, typical settings include general dentistry offices and pediatric dental practices, with rates differing based on specialty—commonly billing between $17.19 for entry-level positions and up to $24.15 for experienced practitioners. These numbers are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and indicate a clear pathway for entry-level dental assistants while also highlighting the earnings potential for seasoned professionals in Abilene.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.19 | $137.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.94 | $143.49 |
| Median (P50) | $19.60 | $156.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.94 | $183.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.15 | $193.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Abilene
Based on $19.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.60/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Abilene, TX can expect to earn approximately $40,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,516. With a cost-of-living index of 90.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Abilene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Abilene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $783.86 | $3,397 | $40,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $470.32 | $2,038 | $24,457 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $313.55 | $1,359 | $16,304 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Abilene) | $19.60 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Abilene, TX earn a median of $40,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.81% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 9.40% below the Texas state average of $44,979.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.60/hr = $24,457/year (purchasing power: $27,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,761/year (purchasing power: $45,107).
CoL index: 90.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Abilene grew 12.3% from $16.92/hr (2019) to $19.00/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.21/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Abilene
The financial dynamics of being a dental assistant in Abilene can vary greatly, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $19,600 annually compared to a full-time assistant who could earn closer to $40,751. Per diem dental assistant pay in Abilene also showcases a broad range, with many temps billing anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, while those in specialized fields like oral surgery might reach rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Employers—including general practices, orthodontics, and pediatric offices—often influence hourly rates, with larger dental support organizations (DSOs) implementing standardized pay scales. As such, some dental assistants might opt for lower-paying positions that offer health benefits, while others pursue higher hourly rates without the security of insurance. Negotiation plays a critical role; aspiring dental assistants in Abilene should be prepared to highlight their skills and relevant certifications while also being aware of their worth within the local market.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Abilene in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Abilene?
Are dental assistants in Abilene paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Abilene?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Abilene. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov