Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Texarkana, TX: $18.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Texarkana, TX runs $18.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Texarkana's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.0, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,633 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Texarkana, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected at $18.94 in 2026, significantly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This discrepancy can impact those working part-time, such as a dental assistant on a 3-day-per-week schedule, who may expect to earn just under $36,000 annually (based on a 24-hour work week). For per-diem workers, often found in various settings like pediatric exam rooms or oral surgery suites, compensation can vary, pushing the hourly rate higher. Entry-level positions start around $15.43 per hour, while experienced dental assistants in specialized practices can achieve rates as high as $22.98 per hour. These figures are grounded in official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the region.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.43 | $123.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.67 | $141.34 |
| Median (P50) | $18.94 | $151.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.47 | $179.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.98 | $183.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Texarkana
Based on $18.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.94/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Texarkana, TX can expect to earn approximately $39,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,724. With a cost-of-living index of 84.01 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Texarkana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Texarkana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $757.46 | $3,282 | $39,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $454.48 | $1,969 | $23,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $302.98 | $1,313 | $15,755 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Texarkana) | $18.94 |
| 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 Texarkana, TX earn a median of $39,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.57% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 12.50% below the Texas state average of $45,004.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.94/hr = $23,633/year (purchasing power: $28,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,388/year (purchasing power: $46,884).
CoL index: 84.012 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Texarkana grew 6.6% from $17.22/hr (2019) to $18.36/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.53/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 Texarkana 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 Texarkana
Looking at the earning potential, a part-time dental assistant in Texarkana, working three days a week, would bring home about $25,000 annually. In contrast, full-time positions typically yield better financial stability. Per-diem dental assistants effectively capitalize on flexibility, often charging between $22 and $35 per hour, especially in specialty roles like oral surgery or orthodontics, where demand for temporary help can skew rates even higher. Different employer types also dictate salary outcomes; general practices generally offer lower rates than specialized pediatric or periodontal offices. While some candidates prioritize hourly rates, those seeking health benefits may accept lower pay from corporate chains to secure insurance coverage. For negotiation, being aware of the dental assistant hourly rate specifics in Texarkana can empower workers to advocate for their worth effectively.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Texarkana in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Texarkana?
Are dental assistants in Texarkana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Texarkana?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Texarkana?
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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 Texarkana. 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