Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bastrop, TX: $20.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bastrop, TX runs $20.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Bastrop's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,782 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bastrop, TX, the average hourly rate for dental assistants is projected to be $20.66 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This difference can significantly impact those working part-time or as per-diem employees in various dental settings, including general dentistry, pediatrics, and periodontal practices. For instance, a dental assistant working part-time three days a week could expect to earn about $496 weekly. New entrants in the field might start at approximately $16.74 per hour, while top earners—with considerable experience or specialized skills—could make up to $25.06 per hour. These figures give a snapshot of the earnings potential for dental assistants in Bastrop, where rates reflect the regional cost of living and the competitive nature of the workforce.
About the Bastrop 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) | $16.74 | $133.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.33 | $154.63 |
| Median (P50) | $20.66 | $165.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.24 | $193.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.06 | $200.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bastrop
Based on $20.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.66/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bastrop, TX can expect to earn approximately $42,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,791. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bastrop.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bastrop
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $826.36 | $3,581 | $42,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $495.81 | $2,149 | $25,782 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.54 | $1,432 | $17,188 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Bastrop) | $20.66 |
| 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 Bastrop, TX earn a median of $42,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.31% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the Texas state average of $45,004.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.66/hr = $25,782/year (purchasing power: $26,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,971/year (purchasing power: $44,761).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bastrop (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Bastrop grew 19.9% from $16.70/hr (2019) to $20.03/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.31/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 Bastrop 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 Bastrop
Regardless of the hourly pay, many choosing part-time employment bring home different annual earnings compared to full-timers. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week could yield around $25,141 annually, while a full-time colleague might earn upwards of $45,000. For those in per diem roles, pay can vary widely, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general duties and climbing up to $28 to $45 for more specialized work in oral surgery or orthodontics. Different employer types in Bastrop influence hourly wages; general dental practices typically offer lower rates compared to specialty offices, which may provide better compensation but could expect higher work demands. Finally, for many entering the profession, factors like health insurance and additional benefits often sway decisions, leading some to accept lower pay for stability. Negotiation skills can be valuable, especially for hourly workers; being informed about industry standards and local market rates can lead to better offers, whether negotiating pay or setting expectations regarding benefits.
More salary data for Bastrop, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bastrop. 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 Bastrop 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