Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Salary in Fredericksburg, TX: $42,366 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Fredericksburg, TX earns a median $42,366/year (≈ $20.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $44,131 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Texas state average.

$42,366
Median Annual Salary
$20.37/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$35,577
Entry Level (P10)
$52,759
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Salary in Fredericksburg, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Fredericksburg, TX dental assistant salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Fredericksburg, TX, dental assistants earn a median annual salary projected at $42,366 in 2026. This figure reflects a full salary range that spans from $35,577 at the 10th percentile to $52,759 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parities. Compared to the national median salary of $49,579, dental assistant pay in Fredericksburg is lower by about 14.55%. However, specialties like orthodontics or oral surgery may offer premium compensation, significantly impacting potential earnings. As the dental assistant market continues to evolve, this trend toward specialization can create additional opportunities for greater financial reward within the area.

About the Fredericksburg Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$35,577$17.10
Lower Range (P25)$40,535$19.48
Median (P50)(typical)$42,366$20.37
Upper Range (P75)$50,554$24.30
Top Earners (P90)$52,759$25.36

Median Salary Position

$35,577$52,759
City Median: $42,366
National: $49,579
P10–P90 Range

14.55% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for dental assistants in Fredericksburg. The median salary is $42,366, compared to the national median of $49,579.$32.0K$37.9K$43.7K$49.6K$55.4K$35.6K10th Pctl$40.5K25th Pctl$42.4KMedian$50.6K75th Pctl$52.8K90th PctlUS Median$49.6K

In Fredericksburg, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,182 (2026 est.). At $42,366, the local median is 14.55% below the national median of $49,579.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of dental assistant pay in the Fredericksburg metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$815
per week
$3,531
per month
$42,370
per year

At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Fredericksburg Dental Assistant Pay Compares

Fredericksburg median: $42,366/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryFredericksburg Pays
Texas Average$45,022-5.90% less
National Average$49,579-14.55% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Fredericksburg ($42,366) with Texas average ($45,022) and the US national median ($49,579).Fredericksburg$42,366Texas Avg$45,022-5.90%US National$49,579-14.55%

Dental Assistants in Fredericksburg, TX earn a median of $42,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.90% below the Texas state average of $45,022.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$42,366
Nominal Salary
96
CoL Index
$44,131
Adjusted Salary

Fredericksburg 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.

The nominal salary is $42,366. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 96, the purchasing-power equivalent is $44,131, a gain of $1,765.$36.0K$41.3K$46.5K$51.8K$57.0K$42,366NominalSalary$44,131CoL Adjusted(CoL: 96) 4.17%US Median $49.6K

Fredericksburg, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $42,366 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,131 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$34,249

2025 BLS Actual

$41,076

2026 Current Est.

$42,366

2019–2027 Growth

+27.6%

Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fredericksburg (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for dental assistants in Fredericksburg. Baseline $34,249 in 2025, projected to $43,696 by 2027.$30.9K$34.6K$38.4K$42.1K$45.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$34.2K$35.2K$33.0K$38.3K$39.8K$39.8K$41.1K$42.4K$43.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$34,249Actual
2020$35,188Actual
2021$33,035Actual
2022$38,299Actual
2023$39,769Actual
2024$39,768Actual
2025$41,076Actual
2026(current)$42,366Estimated
2027$43,696Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $34,249 (2019) to $41,076 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,696 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,447 (27.58%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$35,577$40,535
3-5 years (Mid Career)$40,535$42,366
5+ years (Experienced)$42,366$50,554
10+ years (Top Earner)$50,554$52,759

DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

Dental Assistant Job Market in Fredericksburg

In understanding the local job market, it's notable that there are currently 5 dental assistants employed in Fredericksburg, TX. The cost-of-living index here stands at 96, suggesting that take-home purchasing power will be comparatively effective for those in this role. Among local employers, specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery tend to provide the highest pay, with pediatric dental offices and general practices following. The disparity in salaries often arises from factors such as specialty areas, with oral surgery and orthodontics commanding top compensation. Dental assistants looking to boost their earnings should consider pursuing expanded function authority (EFDA) credentials where permitted or exploring hybrid roles like treatment coordinators that can align with the growing DSO chains in the area. Staying abreast of these opportunities can position candidates favorably in the Fredericksburg dental job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in Fredericksburg, TX in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median dental assistant salary in Fredericksburg is $42,366/year ($20.37/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Salaries range from $35,577 at entry level (10th percentile) to $52,759 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Fredericksburg at 14.5% below the national median. Full-time dental assistants typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Fredericksburg, TX a good place to work as a dental assistant?

Fredericksburg dental assistant salaries are 14.5% below the national average and 5.9% below the Texas state average. The metro area employs approximately 5 dental assistants. With a cost-of-living index of 96, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can dental assistants make $100K in Fredericksburg?

The median dental assistant salary in Fredericksburg is $42,366, and the 90th percentile earns $52,759. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Fredericksburg?

After adjusting for Fredericksburg's cost-of-living index of 96 (where 100 equals the national average), the $42,366 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $44,131 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 4.2% further in Fredericksburg compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for dental assistants seeking strong real wages.

How much does a dental assistant make per hour in Fredericksburg?

Dental Assistants in Fredericksburg earn a median hourly rate of $20.37, which translates to approximately $42,366/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $17.10 for entry-level positions to $25.36 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem dental assistants sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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 $41,076 for dental assistantsin the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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