Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Mission, TX: $18.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Mission, TX runs $18.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,741 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Mission's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission, TX, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $18.63, which lags behind the national median of $23.84. This discrepancy reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living index. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, the total earnings may vary significantly based on hours worked, which typically involves settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to start at approximately $13.98 hourly, while top earners can make up to $24.90, offering a spectrum of income opportunities within the profession. These figures, however, are derived from annual salary estimates, which contextualize hourly pay rates based on overall compensation trends observed statewide.
About the Mission 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) | $13.98 | $111.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.73 | $133.83 |
| Median (P50) | $18.63 | $149.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.00 | $176.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.90 | $199.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission
Based on $18.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.63/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission, TX can expect to earn approximately $38,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,353. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mission.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $745.08 | $3,229 | $38,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.05 | $1,937 | $23,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.03 | $1,291 | $15,498 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Mission) | $18.63 |
| 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 Mission, TX earn a median of $38,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.86% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 13.90% below the Texas state average of $44,996.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.63/hr = $23,247/year (purchasing power: $24,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,744/year (purchasing power: $40,359).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Mission (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Mission grew 19.9% from $15.06/hr (2019) to $18.06/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.21/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 Mission 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 Mission
Exploring part-time employment in dental assisting reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income that differs notably from full-time positions, impacting lifestyle and job flexibility. For per-diem positions, dental assistants often find themselves earning between $22 to $35 hourly, especially in specialized fields like oral surgery and orthodontics, where per-diem rates can reach $28 to $45. Local employers also play a significant role in determining hourly rates; dental assistants in general practices may see different compensation compared to those in group practices or specialty offices. Many prefer the benefits of consistent employment, which could offset the advantages of higher hourly pay in temp roles. Thus, potential candidates should consider practical negotiation strategies based on employer type, benefits, and market demand as they pursue careers in Mission, balancing hourly rates with overall job satisfaction and security.
More salary data for Mission, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Mission 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 Mission. 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 Mission 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