Dental Assistant Salary in Cleburne, TX: $44,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Cleburne, TX earns a median $44,734/year (≈ $21.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Cleburne's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $46,598 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $44,734 for dental assistants in Cleburne, Texas, the local job market reflects a nuanced balance between chain and solo practice employment structures. The salary range spans from $35,731 at the 10th percentile to $56,611 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse earning potential depending on various factors such as experience, specialization, and type of employer. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. As healthcare dynamics continue to evolve, particularly with DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen establishing their presence, Cleburne’s dental assistants may experience shifts in compensation philosophies, balancing stability with varied opportunities for professional growth.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,731 | $17.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,672 | $20.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,734 | $21.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,794 | $25.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,611 | $27.22 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne
In Cleburne, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,880 (2026 est.). At $44,734, the local median is 9.77% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleburne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleburne Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Cleburne median: $44,734/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleburne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $45,004 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -9.77% less |
Dental Assistants in Cleburne, TX earn a median of $44,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $45,004.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleburne 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.
Cleburne, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $44,734 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,598 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,163
2025 BLS Actual
$43,372
2026 Current Est.
$44,734
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,992 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,991 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleburne metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,163 (2019) to $43,372 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,976 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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) | $35,731 – $41,672 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,672 – $44,734 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,734 – $53,794 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,794 – $56,611 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Cleburne
The job market for dental assistants in Cleburne currently employs seven professionals, reflecting a relatively small but established community. With a cost-of-living index of 96, the purchasing power for dental assistants in the area allows them to enjoy a reasonable lifestyle compared to national averages. Among employers, general dental practices often provide competitive salaries, while pediatric and specialty offices may offer higher pay due to the demand for specific skills. Variations in salary stem from factors like work scope, additional credentials such as the EFDA, and the differences in pay scales between DSO chains and independent practices. For enhanced earnings, professionals are encouraged to pursue certification through DANB and seek expanded function roles, which can yield significant pay increases. Embracing the varied pathways in Cleburne’s job market could allow dental assistants to optimize their career trajectories effectively.
More salary data for Cleburne, 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 $43,372 for dental assistantsin the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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