Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Pearland, TX: $21.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Pearland, TX runs $21.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,598 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Pearland's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,761 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearland, Texas, dental assistants can expect to earn around $21.44 per hour, a rate that is notably lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. For those working part-time, such as in general dentistry or pediatric clinics, this hourly rate translates into a potential $1,025 for a typical three-day workweek, or about $4,125 each month if maintaining consistent shifts. Entry-level dental assistants might earn as little as $16.50 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can reach up to $28.03, reflecting a competitive hourly range for this ever-evolving profession. The ongoing demand for dental services ensures that even within varied settings—like orthodontic practices or oral surgery suites—dental assistants are finding opportunities to grow and enhance their earnings in Pearland.
About the Pearland 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) | $16.50 | $132.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.64 | $157.10 |
| Median (P50) | $21.44 | $171.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.14 | $209.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.03 | $224.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearland
Based on $21.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.44/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearland, TX can expect to earn approximately $44,601 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,731. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $857.71 | $3,717 | $44,601 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $514.63 | $2,230 | $26,761 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.08 | $1,487 | $17,840 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Pearland) | $21.44 |
| 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 Pearland, TX earn a median of $44,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.05% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Texas state average of $45,003.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.44/hr = $26,761/year (purchasing power: $27,876).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,601/year (purchasing power: $46,459).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pearland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Pearland grew 19.9% from $17.33/hr (2019) to $20.79/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.12/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 Pearland 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 Pearland
A part-time dental assistant working 24 hours weekly could take home approximately $24,792 annually, while full-time workers earn significantly more, justifying the pursuit of full-time hours for those focused on maximizing their income. For per diem dental assistants, pay rates typically range from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty roles such as orthodontics and oral surgery offering even higher rates between $28 and $45. In Pearland, hourly pay can differ based on the employer type; general practices tend to offer rates toward the lower end, while specialized clinics may provide more competitive compensation packages. While some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without those benefits. For effective negotiations in Pearland, knowing market rates and articulating one’s specialized skills, particularly for those with DANB credentials or expanded function training, can strengthen one’s position in salary discussions.
More salary data for Pearland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pearland. 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 Pearland 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