Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Garland, TX: $22.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Garland, TX runs $22.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Garland's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garland, Texas, the dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $22.48, which reflects a modest decrease compared to the national median of $23.84. This rate indicates what part-time workers, such as those working three days a week in various settings like general dentistry operatives or orthodontic practices, can expect to earn. Part-time and per-diem opportunities play a vital role in this profession, offering flexibility for those balancing work with other commitments. Entry-level dental assistants can start at around $16.07 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized roles may earn as much as $31.56 per hour. This range provides insights into the potential earnings throughout one's career in different dental environments and serves as a foundation for understanding hourly wage structures in the area.
About the Garland 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) | $16.07 | $128.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.71 | $157.68 |
| Median (P50) | $22.48 | $179.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.21 | $217.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.56 | $252.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garland
Based on $22.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.48/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garland, TX can expect to earn approximately $46,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,981. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $899.38 | $3,897 | $46,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.63 | $2,338 | $28,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.75 | $1,559 | $18,707 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Garland) | $22.48 |
| 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 Garland, TX earn a median of $46,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.68% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% above the Texas state average of $45,008.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.48/hr = $28,061/year (purchasing power: $29,230).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,768/year (purchasing power: $48,716).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Garland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Garland grew 19.9% from $18.18/hr (2019) to $21.80/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.19/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 Garland 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 Garland
Despite working fewer hours, part-time dental assistants can still secure a reasonable income. A dental assistant working a 24-hour week could earn roughly $26,700 annually, while those committing to full-time hours may see earnings closer to $46,764. Per-diem dental assistants in Garland commonly bill between $22-$35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics reaching $28-$45 per hour. Temp agency collaborations can also allow for short-term engagements that can lead to higher hourly compensation. Hourly rates may vary significantly, influenced by factors such as employer type. Practices affiliated with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen typically have standardized pay scales, while private practices may offer greater flexibility for negotiation. Understanding the benefits, such as insurance and retirement plans, also plays a key role in accepting a lower hourly rate; some may prioritize financial stability over hourly wages. For those looking to maximize their income, effective negotiation can lead to more advantageous hourly pay arrangements, especially given the competitive market in Garland, TX.
More salary data for Garland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Garland 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 Garland. 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 Garland 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