Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Worth, TX: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fort Worth, TX runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fort Worth's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,245 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Worth, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $23.43, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate is significant for part-time workers, particularly those who may work three days a week, where they can expect a reasonable income while balancing personal commitments. Per-diem workers in the area can benefit from flexible schedules, often filling roles in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, orthodontic practices, and oral surgery suites. Those starting in the field may expect to earn around $17.98 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $32.20 per hour, highlighting the earning potential that varies with experience and specialization in Fort Worth's dental landscape. The hourly pay rates presented are derived from projected annual salaries, offering a comprehensive overview of what dental assistants can anticipate in their roles throughout the city.
About the Fort Worth 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) | $17.98 | $143.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.49 | $171.96 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.32 | $234.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.20 | $257.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Worth
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Worth, TX can expect to earn approximately $48,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,120. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Worth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Worth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.34 | $4,062 | $48,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.40 | $2,437 | $29,245 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.93 | $1,625 | $19,497 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fort Worth) | $23.43 |
| 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 Fort Worth, TX earn a median of $48,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.68% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 8.30% above the Texas state average of $45,008.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,245/year (purchasing power: $30,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,741/year (purchasing power: $50,772).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fort Worth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fort Worth grew 19.9% from $18.94/hr (2019) to $22.72/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.17/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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Fort Worth, those working 24 hours a week could take home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, typically seeing a decrease in overall financial benefits. For per-diem or agency dental assistants, the billing reflects variability, with hourly rates often ranging from $22 to $35, depending on demand and specialty. Notably, those engaged in oral surgery or orthodontics can earn upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. Varied employer types play a role in these rates, as general practices, pediatric clinics, and specialized dental offices may offer different pay scales. Additionally, some dental assistants may choose to accept positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those looking to negotiate, being aware of the local pay standards and leveraging certification through organizations like DANB can prove advantageous in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Fort Worth, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Fort Worth in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Fort Worth?
Are dental assistants in Fort Worth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Fort Worth?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Worth?
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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 Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth 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