Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lancaster, TX: $20.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lancaster, TX runs $20.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,181 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, TX, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $20.98, reflecting a notable difference compared to the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This hourly compensation provides a stable income for both part-time workers—who typically work about three days a week—and per-diem professionals who might fill in at various dental practices. With hourly pay ranging from $15.89 for entry-level positions to $26.87 for the upper echelon of earners, dental assistants can find opportunities in a variety of clinical settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric dental clinics, and specialized surgical suites. These figures are derived from annual salary data, giving a comprehensive view of what dental assistants can expect as they navigate their careers in Lancaster.
About the Lancaster 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) | $15.89 | $127.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.16 | $161.31 |
| Median (P50) | $20.98 | $167.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.37 | $202.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.87 | $214.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $20.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.98/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, TX can expect to earn approximately $43,636 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,174. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $839.15 | $3,636 | $43,636 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $503.49 | $2,182 | $26,181 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.66 | $1,455 | $17,454 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lancaster) | $20.98 |
| 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 Lancaster, TX earn a median of $43,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% below the Texas state average of $45,023.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.98/hr = $26,181/year (purchasing power: $27,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,636/year (purchasing power: $45,454).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lancaster grew 19.9% from $16.96/hr (2019) to $20.34/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.64/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
For dental assistants working part-time, earning over a three-day week equates to a significant annual income when considered against a full-time schedule. This pattern holds value for those in the per-diem sector, where rates typically vary: per diem dental assistants can command between $22 and $35 per hour, and those stepping into specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics may see rates climb as high as $28 to $45 per hour. The employment landscape in Lancaster features a wide divergence in hourly wages tied to different types of employers, such as large DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, where pay structures may be more standardized, versus smaller, private practices that might offer flexibility but lower rates. Consequently, some dental assistants weigh the benefits of stable, lower hourly pay that includes health insurance against potentially higher wages without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable for dental assistants to actively research regional pay standards, utilize local job boards, and engage with peers in the field to achieve favorable terms.
More salary data for Lancaster, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Lancaster?
Are dental assistants in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Lancaster?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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