Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Friendswood, TX: $20.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Friendswood, TX runs $20.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,498 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Friendswood's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Friendswood, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $20.92, falling below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate is pivotal for part-time workers who may only be on the job three days a week, allowing them to balance work with other commitments while earning a respectable income. With entry-level positions starting around $17.39 and experienced professionals reaching upwards of $26.67, the range reflects the varying expertise and responsibilities within different dental environments. Opportunities in general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic settings present varied compensation ranging from basic to more complex clinical tasks. As estimates derived from 2025 BLS data project into 2026, it becomes clear that the hourly pay landscape may influence the decision-making process for those considering this career path, including hourly rates across various employers.
About the Friendswood 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) | $17.39 | $139.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.03 | $160.24 |
| Median (P50) | $20.92 | $167.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.23 | $201.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.67 | $213.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Friendswood
Based on $20.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.92/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Friendswood, TX can expect to earn approximately $43,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,100. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Friendswood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Friendswood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $836.67 | $3,626 | $43,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.00 | $2,175 | $26,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.67 | $1,450 | $17,403 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Friendswood) | $20.92 |
| 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 Friendswood, TX earn a median of $43,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.27% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $44,983.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.92/hr = $26,104/year (purchasing power: $27,192).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,507/year (purchasing power: $45,320).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Friendswood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Friendswood grew 19.9% from $16.91/hr (2019) to $20.28/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.57/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 Friendswood 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 Friendswood
A dental assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week in Friendswood would take home approximately $26,054 annually, a stark contrast to full-time salaries that can reach nearly double that amount. The per-diem market offers another intriguing option, enabling dental assistants to charge between $22 and $35 per hour, especially during peak demands or specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics, where rates can soar to between $28 and $45 per hour. Such flexibility is attractive, particularly for those seeking to balance other professional opportunities or educational pursuits. Employers like general dental practices, orthodontic offices, and pediatric specialty clinics may offer different compensation depending on their operational model. While some dental assistants may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, others might pursue higher pay without these perks. Understanding the local job market and employer types can serve as a valuable tool for negotiating better terms, ensuring a successful career path in the expanding DSO landscape.
More salary data for Friendswood, 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 Friendswood. 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 Friendswood 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