Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Austin, TX runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,017 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Austin, Texas, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $24.05, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive rate significantly benefits those working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialized environments like oral surgery and pediatric clinics. For dental assistants considering part-time or per-diem roles, this rate translates to a viable income, allowing flexibility for those working three days a week in diverse healthcare settings. Entry-level positions typically start around $18.16 per hour, while experienced dental assistants can earn as much as $31.95 per hour, demonstrating a range that can accommodate various experience levels and skill sets as reflected in official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.16 | $145.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.61 | $156.86 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.97 | $231.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.95 | $255.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $50,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,863. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.09 | $4,169 | $50,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.25 | $2,501 | $30,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.84 | $1,668 | $20,011 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Austin) | $24.05 |
| 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 Austin, TX earn a median of $50,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 11.20% above the Texas state average of $44,985.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,017/year (purchasing power: $30,609).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,029/year (purchasing power: $51,015).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Austin grew 15.8% from $20.13/hr (2019) to $23.32/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.81/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 Austin 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 Austin
For those opting for part-time work, a dental assistant putting in 24 hours weekly can expect to take home a salary of approximately $28,363 annually, which is notably lower than full-time colleagues but offers adequate flexibility. Per-diem workers, who often bill between $22 and $35 per hour, can see even higher earnings in specialized roles, with some orthodontic and oral surgery positions paying between $28 and $45 per hour. Different employer types across Austin, such as private practices, DSOs like Heartland and Aspen, and dental schools, influence hourly rates, with general practices often providing lower compensation compared to specialty offices. While some may choose lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation tips for dental assistants in this market include highlighting specialized training or certifications, such as those from DANB, which can strengthen one's case for a higher hourly rate.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Austin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Austin?
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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 Austin. 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