Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in San Angelo, TX: $19.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in San Angelo, TX runs $19.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,925 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against San Angelo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,955 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Angelo, Texas, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $19.19, which sits notably below the national median of $23.84. This pay scale reflects the financial landscape for those working in various dental environments, such as general dentistry operatories, orthodontic chair rows, and pediatric exam rooms. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, the consistent hourly rate allows for a reliable income, while per-diem positions provide flexibility and the potential for higher earnings, particularly in specialized settings. The hourly range for dental assistants in San Angelo spans from $16.73 for entry-level positions to $23.13 for more experienced professionals, showcasing varying compensation levels according to experience and workplace demands. These figures derive from BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.73 | $133.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.53 | $148.27 |
| Median (P50) | $19.19 | $153.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.15 | $177.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.13 | $185.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Angelo
Based on $19.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.19/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Angelo, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,033. With a cost-of-living index of 92.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Angelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Angelo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $767.77 | $3,327 | $39,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $460.66 | $1,996 | $23,955 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.11 | $1,331 | $15,970 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (San Angelo) | $19.19 |
| 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 San Angelo, TX earn a median of $39,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.47% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 11.30% below the Texas state average of $45,012.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.19/hr = $23,955/year (purchasing power: $25,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,924/year (purchasing power: $43,183).
CoL index: 92.453 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in San Angelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in San Angelo grew 25.1% from $14.88/hr (2019) to $18.61/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.80/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 San Angelo 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 San Angelo
When considering part-time earnings, a dental assistant working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week translates their hourly pay into an estimated annual income of around $24,000, significantly less than what a full-time employee brings home. For those interested in per diem roles, the prospect of billing between $22 and $35 per hour is enticing, especially within niches like oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can reach up to $45 per hour. Employers such as general dental practices and DSOs like Heartland and Aspen typically offer standard hourly rates, while specialized practices may provide higher remuneration due to the unique skills required. Some dental assistants may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, further complicating their financial decisions. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing certification from bodies like DANB and understanding the market demand for roles within San Angelo can provide valuable leverage in discussions, especially as DSO consolidation influences hiring trends.
More salary data for San Angelo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in San Angelo in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in San Angelo?
Are dental assistants in San Angelo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in San Angelo?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Angelo?
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 San Angelo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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