Dental Assistant Salary in Arlington, TX: $48,073 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Arlington, TX earns a median $48,073/year (≈ $23.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $50,076 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Texas, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants is $48,073 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $49,579, reflecting the region's unique economic landscape. This salary range extends from $34,547 at the 10th percentile to $64,675 at the 90th percentile. The compensation figures are derived from the latest BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting Arlington's competitive market. Given Texas's EFDA expanded function rules, dental assistants with such credentials could command higher salaries compared to those restricted to traditional roles. As the demand for skilled dental professionals grows driven by expanding dental services, Arlington’s market presents robust growth opportunities.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,547 | $16.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,295 | $20.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,073 | $23.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,341 | $28.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,675 | $31.10 |
Median Salary Position
3.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,128 (2026 est.). At $48,073, the local median is 3.04% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Arlington median: $48,073/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $45,012 | +6.80% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -3.04% less |
Dental Assistants in Arlington, TX earn a median of $48,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.80% above the Texas state average of $45,012.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $48,073 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,076 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,862
2025 BLS Actual
$46,609
2026 Current Est.
$48,073
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,485 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,458 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,073 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,582 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,862 (2019) to $46,609 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,582 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,720 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,547 – $42,295 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,295 – $48,073 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,073 – $59,341 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,341 – $64,675 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Arlington
In the local job market, approximately 83 dental assistants are currently employed, a number that indicates a steady demand for skilled professionals in Arlington's healthcare environment. The cost of living index for the area stands at 96, suggesting that take-home pay retains considerable purchasing power compared to national averages. Notably, general dental practices, especially larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, are currently among the highest-paying employers in Arlington, often offering pay scales that can vary significantly based on specialties and responsibilities. Those specializing in areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics typically earn more than their peers in general dentistry. Additionally, pursuing EFDA credentials or transitioning into hybrid roles like treatment coordinating can lead to substantial pay increases. For those looking to maximize earnings in Arlington, focusing on skill enhancement and exploring opportunities with top-tier employers will be crucial strategies.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,609 for dental assistantsin the Arlington metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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