Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in DeSoto, TX: $21.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in DeSoto, TX runs $21.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against DeSoto's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,070 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in DeSoto, TX, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.69, which falls below the national median of $23.84. This discrepancy suggests that the dental assistant hourly pay in DeSoto may appeal to those seeking part-time work or per diem assignments, especially in settings such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic offices, and dental clinics. For those working only three days a week, the hourly pay translates to a consistent income, helping to maintain a desirable balance between work and personal life. The overall hourly range for dental assistants in DeSoto spans from $16.38 for entry-level positions to $29.15 for more experienced professionals, providing various opportunities within this essential healthcare field.
About the DeSoto 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) | $16.38 | $131.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.58 | $156.61 |
| Median (P50) | $21.69 | $173.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.69 | $205.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.15 | $233.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeSoto
Based on $21.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.69/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeSoto, TX can expect to earn approximately $45,116 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,028. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeSoto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeSoto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $867.61 | $3,760 | $45,116 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $520.57 | $2,256 | $27,070 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $347.05 | $1,504 | $18,046 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (DeSoto) | $21.69 |
| 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 DeSoto, TX earn a median of $45,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.02% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $45,017.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.69/hr = $27,070/year (purchasing power: $28,197).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,116/year (purchasing power: $46,996).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in DeSoto grew 19.9% from $17.53/hr (2019) to $21.03/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.37/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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto
Part-time dental assistants in DeSoto, working approximately 24 hours a week, can expect to bring in a net income of around $27,091 annually, which contrasts starkly with the full-time equivalent. For those considering flexible work options, per diem dental assistant pay in DeSoto typically falls within $22-$35 per hour, with specialized settings such as oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates between $28-$45 per hour. Employers in DeSoto vary widely, from solo dental practices to larger DSO chains, with hourly rates frequently adjusted based on the type of practice and needed expertise. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others prioritize higher pay, particularly in temporary roles or as agency workers. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants are encouraged to negotiate based on their skills, experience, and any additional certifications from recognized bodies like DANB and ADAA, which can substantially enhance their marketability.
More salary data for DeSoto, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in DeSoto in 2026?
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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 DeSoto. 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 DeSoto 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