Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in North Richland Hills, TX: $20.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in North Richland Hills, TX runs $20.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against North Richland Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,156 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Richland Hills, Texas, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $20.96, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This disparity can impact professionals working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this means they can expect to take home around $857.12 weekly, while per-diem workers typically see hourly rates ranging from $16.39 at the entry-level to as high as $26.81 for experienced professionals. North Richland Hills offers a diverse employment landscape, allowing dental assistants to find roles that suit their skill sets and earning potential.
About the North Richland Hills 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) | $16.39 | $131.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Median (P50) | $20.96 | $167.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.22 | $201.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.81 | $214.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Richland Hills
Based on $20.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.96/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Richland Hills, TX can expect to earn approximately $43,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,150. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Richland Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Richland Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $838.32 | $3,633 | $43,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.99 | $2,180 | $26,156 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.33 | $1,453 | $17,437 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (North Richland Hills) | $20.96 |
| 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 North Richland Hills, TX earn a median of $43,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% below the Texas state average of $44,991.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.96/hr = $26,156/year (purchasing power: $27,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,593/year (purchasing power: $45,409).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in North Richland Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in North Richland Hills grew 19.9% from $16.94/hr (2019) to $20.32/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.62/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 North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills
Considering the earning potential as a dental assistant in North Richland Hills, part-time employees who work 24 hours per week could net approximately $22,785 annually, compared to full-time employees who typically earn more than double that amount. Per-diem dental assistants in this market often charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics able to command rates from $28 to $45. The rates can vary based on the employer type, whether in a solo practice, a group practice, or large dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, which can be a strategic choice depending on individual needs. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s advisable to assess the full compensation package while considering factors like location, local demand, and the type of practice, as these can significantly influence hourly rates.
More salary data for North Richland Hills, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in North Richland Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in North Richland Hills?
Are dental assistants in North Richland Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in North Richland Hills?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in North Richland Hills?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 North Richland Hills. 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 North Richland Hills 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