Dental Assistant Salary in Baytown, TX: $44,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Baytown, TX earns a median $44,773/year (≈ $21.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Baytown's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $46,639 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Baytown, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $44,773, reflecting the state's expanded function rules that enable skilled dental assistants to earn above average rates. The salary range for this position varies from $33,314 at the lower end (P10) to $56,781 at the upper end (P90), allowing for significant variability based on experience and workplace type. These figures stem from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, incorporating regional price adjustments, which emphasize the competitive pay environment for dental assistants. Given the growing demand for dental services in Baytown, aspirants in this field may find numerous opportunities that align their skills with the evolving market needs.
About the Baytown Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,314 | $16.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,011 | $19.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,773 | $21.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,583 | $25.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,781 | $27.30 |
Median Salary Position
9.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baytown
In Baytown, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,467 (2026 est.). At $44,773, the local median is 9.69% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baytown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baytown Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Baytown median: $44,773/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baytown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $44,998 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -9.69% less |
Dental Assistants in Baytown, TX earn a median of $44,773 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.69% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.50% below the Texas state average of $44,998.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baytown 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.
Baytown, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $44,773 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,639 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,195
2025 BLS Actual
$43,410
2026 Current Est.
$44,773
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Baytown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,195 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,188 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,179 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baytown metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,195 (2019) to $43,410 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,179 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,984 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baytown 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) | $33,314 – $40,011 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,011 – $44,773 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,773 – $53,583 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,583 – $56,781 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Baytown
The local job market for dental assistants in Baytown comprises around 16 employed professionals, providing a solid but limited framework for growth. With a cost of living index at 96, dental assistants will find that their salaries afford a reasonable purchasing power, making Baytown an attractive locale for employment. Employers such as general dental practices tend to offer competitive compensation, particularly those affiliated with DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, which have implemented standardized pay scales that enhance earnings potential. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to specialization; for instance, dental assistants working in oral surgery or orthodontics generally command higher wages compared to those in general practices. To maximize salary potential within this market, pursuing an EFDA credential, exploring hybrid treatment coordinator roles, and seeking positions within DSOs or specialty offices can provide an edge over the competition in the thriving Baytown area.
More salary data for Baytown, 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 $43,410 for dental assistantsin the Baytown 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 Baytown 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