Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Pflugerville, TX: $21.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Pflugerville, TX runs $21.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,509 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Pflugerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,709 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hourly compensation for dental assistants in Pflugerville, Texas, is projected to be $21.40 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $23.84. This figure provides insights for professionals working in various dental settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty clinics. For those considering part-time schedules, such as working three days a week, or per-diem roles, this hourly wage translates to steady income while allowing for flexibility. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn approximately $15.72 per hour, while seasoned professionals may see rates as high as $28.24, depending on their experience and the specific dental practice in which they work. Such hourly rates are estimated based on projected annual salaries and reflect the local job market's dynamics.
About the Pflugerville 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) | $15.72 | $125.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Median (P50) | $21.40 | $171.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.27 | $210.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.24 | $225.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pflugerville
Based on $21.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.40/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pflugerville, TX can expect to earn approximately $44,515 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,682. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pflugerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pflugerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $856.06 | $3,710 | $44,515 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $513.64 | $2,226 | $26,709 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $342.42 | $1,484 | $17,806 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Pflugerville) | $21.40 |
| 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 Pflugerville, TX earn a median of $44,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.23% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $45,004.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.40/hr = $26,709/year (purchasing power: $27,822).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,515/year (purchasing power: $46,370).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pflugerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Pflugerville grew 19.9% from $17.30/hr (2019) to $20.75/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.07/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 Pflugerville 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 Pflugerville
For part-time dental assistants in Pflugerville working a typical 24-hour week, the annual take-home income will be considerably less than full-time counterparts, impacting lifestyle choices. Those choosing per-diem work may see a range of $22 to $35 per hour, particularly in high-demand specialties such as oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can climb to $28 to $45. Employment at various types of practices affects pay as well; dental assistants in corporate dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen may earn salaries at a different range than those working in private practices. Additionally, dental assistants often face a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits; some may accept lower hourly wages for health insurance coverage, while others prioritize higher pay in roles with no additional benefits. For local professionals, negotiating hourly rates effectively requires awareness of the employer type and the demand for specific skills, as well as understanding the local job market trends influencing dental assistant hourly pay in Pflugerville.
More salary data for Pflugerville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Pflugerville 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 Pflugerville. 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 Pflugerville 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