Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Missouri City, TX: $21.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Missouri City, TX runs $21.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,062 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Missouri City's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Missouri City, Texas, receive a median hourly pay of $21.66, which reflects a slight variance when compared to the national hourly median of $23.84. This hourly rate positions dental assistants well within the local market, particularly appealing for part-time workers who may prefer flexible schedules typical in general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and specialized settings like orthodontics and oral surgery. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $16.35 (P10) and top earners reaching around $29.13 (P90), individuals can find varying opportunities based on experience and specific work environments. The typical full-time schedule in this field can often translate well for per-diem workers, offering competitive compensation and the chance to work across different dental facilities without the long-term commitment of a full-time position.
About the Missouri City 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) | $16.35 | $130.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.52 | $156.20 |
| Median (P50) | $21.66 | $173.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.62 | $204.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.13 | $233.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missouri City
Based on $21.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.66/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missouri City, TX can expect to earn approximately $45,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,991. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missouri City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missouri City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $866.38 | $3,754 | $45,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.83 | $2,253 | $27,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.55 | $1,502 | $18,021 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Missouri City) | $21.66 |
| 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 Missouri City, TX earn a median of $45,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.11% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.10% above the Texas state average of $45,017.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.66/hr = $27,031/year (purchasing power: $28,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,052/year (purchasing power: $46,929).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Missouri City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Missouri City grew 19.9% from $17.51/hr (2019) to $21.00/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.34/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 Missouri City 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 Missouri City
In the realm of per diem dental assistant pay in Missouri City, those working part-time, such as a dental assistant on a typical three-day workweek totaling about 24 hours, could see earnings that significantly impact annual take-home figures compared to their full-time counterparts. Agency and per-diem dental assistants often charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles, like those in oral surgery or orthodontics, sometimes commanding rates between $28 and $45. The earnings landscape varies greatly depending on employer type; dental assistants in general practices may earn differently than those in large dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen or pediatric offices. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates for the benefits package, while others might prioritize higher wages with flexible hours. Negotiating wages can hinge on presenting certifications like those from DANB or ADAA, highlighting your experience and the demand for skilled dental assistants in Missouri City, TX.
More salary data for Missouri City, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Missouri City in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Missouri City?
Are dental assistants in Missouri City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Missouri City?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Missouri City?
Related Pages
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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 Missouri City. 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 Missouri City 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