Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $23.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Arlington, TX runs $23.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,073 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,846 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, TX, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants is $23.11, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate translates well for professionals seeking part-time work, such as those desiring a schedule of three days a week in various dental settings, including general practices and specialty offices. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $16.61, while experienced professionals in specialized roles may reach up to $31.10 per hour. These figures reflect the estimated salary distributions derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view of what dental assistants can anticipate in terms of hourly compensation, whether they work in pediatric exam rooms, orthodontic practices, or dental school student clinics.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.61 | $132.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.33 | $162.63 |
| Median (P50) | $23.11 | $184.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.53 | $228.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.10 | $248.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $23.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.11/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $48,076 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,736. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $924.55 | $4,006 | $48,076 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.73 | $2,404 | $28,846 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.82 | $1,603 | $19,231 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Arlington) | $23.11 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $48,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.80% above the Texas state average of $45,012.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.11/hr = $28,846/year (purchasing power: $30,048).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,076/year (purchasing power: $50,080).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Arlington grew 19.9% from $18.69/hr (2019) to $22.41/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.84/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Analyzing the part-time earnings potential for a dental assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) reveals an annual income significantly different from full-time colleagues. Part-time workers might take home around $28,000 annually, depending on hours and specific roles. The landscape for per diem dental assistants in Arlington often sees billing rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general assignments, with specialized practices in oral surgery or orthodontics paying between $28 and $45. Various employer types, from general dental practices to periodontal specialists and dental schools, influence hourly pay, creating a diverse earning potential. Some dental assistants opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance benefits, which can provide financial stability despite a smaller paycheck. For those negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable to consider the trade-off between benefits and pay, as well as to clearly delineate your skills and expertise, especially given the growing DSO chains that standardize compensation across multiple locations.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Arlington?
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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 Arlington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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