Dental Assistant Salary in Galveston, TX: $45,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Galveston, TX earns a median $45,140/year (≈ $21.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Galveston's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $47,021 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Galveston, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $45,140, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules, which often drives compensation levels above general wages. The salary range for this role spans from $34,136 at the 10th percentile to $57,875 at the 90th percentile, providing a solid overview of the potential earnings for local professionals. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional economic factors, underscoring the diverse earning potential available to dental assistants in Galveston. With a growing job market, interested individuals can find promising opportunities in this coastal city.
About the Galveston Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,136 | $16.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,786 | $19.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,504 | $26.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,875 | $27.83 |
Median Salary Position
8.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galveston
In Galveston, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,739 (2026 est.). At $45,140, the local median is 8.95% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galveston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galveston Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Galveston median: $45,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galveston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $45,005 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -8.95% less |
Dental Assistants in Galveston, TX earn a median of $45,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.95% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $45,005.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galveston 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.
Galveston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,140 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,021 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,491
2025 BLS Actual
$43,766
2026 Current Est.
$45,140
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,491 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,493 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,766 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galveston metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,491 (2019) to $43,766 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,067 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galveston 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) | $34,136 – $40,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,786 – $45,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,140 – $54,504 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,504 – $57,875 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Galveston
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 10 dental assistants employed in Galveston, indicating a compact but potentially competitive labor force. The cost of living index stands at 96, which offers some relief compared to the national average, contributing to enhanced purchasing power for those in the dental field. Among various employers, specialty offices, particularly periodontal and orthodontic practices, typically offer the highest pay, along with larger dental service organizations like Heartland and Pacific Dental, known for their expansive chains and standardized pay scales. The disparity in salaries often hinges on the role's specialization and whether the assistant holds an EFDA credential, which may command additional stipends for lead functions or team mentorship. For dental assistants seeking to maximize their pay in Galveston, pursuing advanced certifications and honing skills in specialty treatments can significantly enhance their marketability and earnings potential.
More salary data for Galveston, 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 $43,766 for dental assistantsin the Galveston 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 Galveston 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