Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rowlett, TX: $21.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rowlett, TX runs $21.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rowlett's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rowlett, Texas, the projected median dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $21.20, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. For those contemplating various employment arrangements, this hourly rate provides insight into potential earnings across different work schedules. Part-time dental assistants working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, can anticipate a pay of approximately $1,020 bi-weekly, which can add up significantly over time. Entry-level positions may start at around $16.23 per hour, while experienced dental assistants can earn as much as $27.57, showcasing a broad pay scale in Rowlett that reflects experience and expertise in various settings like general dentistry clinics and pediatric dental offices. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
About the Rowlett 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) | $16.23 | $129.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.35 | $154.79 |
| Median (P50) | $21.20 | $169.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.77 | $206.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.57 | $220.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rowlett
Based on $21.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.20/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rowlett, TX can expect to earn approximately $44,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,434. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rowlett.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rowlett
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $847.81 | $3,674 | $44,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.69 | $2,204 | $26,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.12 | $1,470 | $17,634 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rowlett) | $21.20 |
| 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 Rowlett, TX earn a median of $44,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.00% below the Texas state average of $44,981.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.20/hr = $26,452/year (purchasing power: $27,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,086/year (purchasing power: $45,923).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rowlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rowlett grew 19.9% from $17.13/hr (2019) to $20.55/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.86/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 Rowlett 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 Rowlett
For those considering part-time opportunities, the financial landscape can vary greatly. A dental assistant working three days a week can expect to take home $26,520 annually, while a full-time assistant could earn upwards of $44,081 per year. The rise of per-diem dental assistant pay in Rowlett also presents an attractive option, with rates typically ranging between $22 to $35 per hour, and specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding between $28 and $45 per hour. Different employer types in Rowlett, from solo practices to large DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, influence these rates significantly. It's also important to weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against potential health insurance and stability that come with full-time positions. Negotiating pay in Rowlett can often hinge on knowledge of local market rates and leveraging experience and training credentials such as those from DANB or ADAA, fostering a more advantageous position when discussing compensation packages.
More salary data for Rowlett, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rowlett 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 Rowlett. 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 Rowlett 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