Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Round Rock, TX: $24.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Round Rock, TX runs $24.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,373 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Round Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Round Rock, Texas, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $24.22 in 2026, which is slightly above the national average of $23.84 per hour. This competitive rate allows both full-time employees and part-time workers, such as those selected to work three days a week, to earn a respectable income, especially in diverse settings like general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. Entry-level dental assistants might expect to earn around $17.72 per hour, while experienced professionals can make as much as $32.91 per hour, reflecting a significant disparity in the earnings potential within the field. Employers in Round Rock, from individual practices to corporate chains, utilize these hourly rates to attract a workforce amid changing demands in dental care.
About the Round Rock 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) | $17.72 | $141.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.48 | $171.87 |
| Median (P50) | $24.22 | $193.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.27 | $242.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.91 | $263.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Round Rock
Based on $24.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.22/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Round Rock, TX can expect to earn approximately $50,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,061. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Round Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Round Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.69 | $4,198 | $50,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.21 | $2,519 | $30,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.48 | $1,679 | $20,149 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Round Rock) | $24.22 |
| 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 Round Rock, TX earn a median of $50,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.60% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 11.90% above the Texas state average of $45,016.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.22/hr = $30,223/year (purchasing power: $31,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,372/year (purchasing power: $52,471).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Round Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Round Rock grew 19.9% from $19.58/hr (2019) to $23.48/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.98/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 Round Rock 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 Round Rock
Analyzing the earnings potential for dental assistants highlights the benefits of various work arrangements in Round Rock. For those working a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, the annual take-home pay would be approximately $30,993, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking flexibility. Per diem dental assistants often see varying pay rates depending on the specialty; they might bill $22 to $35 per hour for general work, but for roles in oral surgery or orthodontics, the pay could jump to between $28 and $45 per hour. This fluctuation arises from the hiring preferences of dental offices, including family-owned practices and growing DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen. While accepting lower hourly wages may come with health benefits, some dental assistants prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater financial incentive. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local market can provide leverage, empowering them to advocate for more competitive compensation based on their skills and credentials, including DANB certification.
More salary data for Round Rock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Round Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Round Rock?
Are dental assistants in Round Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Round Rock?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Round Rock?
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 Round Rock. 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 Round Rock 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