Dental Assistant Salary in Murphy, TX: $41,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Murphy, TX earns a median $41,602/year (≈ $20.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Murphy's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $43,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dental assistants in Murphy, TX, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $41,602, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49,579, representing a percentage difference of -16.09%. Salaries in this field range from approximately $34,947 at the lower end (P10) to about $51,721 at the top (P90), indicating the potential for varied compensation based on experience, specialization, and employer. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and take into account regional cost adjustments, giving prospective dental assistants a realistic view of what they can expect to earn in Murphy. Those with specialized skills, particularly in oral surgery and orthodontics, may have an opportunity to earn more, enhancing the overall salary prospects in this market.
About the Murphy Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,947 | $16.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,812 | $19.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,602 | $20.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,711 | $23.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,721 | $24.87 |
Median Salary Position
16.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murphy
In Murphy, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,774 (2026 est.). At $41,602, the local median is 16.09% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murphy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murphy Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Murphy median: $41,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murphy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $45,023 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -16.09% less |
Dental Assistants in Murphy, TX earn a median of $41,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.60% below the Texas state average of $45,023.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murphy 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.
Murphy, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $41,602 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,335 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,631
2025 BLS Actual
$40,335
2026 Current Est.
$41,602
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Murphy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,608 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,051 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,335 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,908 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murphy metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $33,631 (2019) to $40,335 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,908 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,277 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murphy 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) | $34,947 – $39,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,812 – $41,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,602 – $49,711 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,711 – $51,721 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Murphy
The job market for dental assistants in Murphy is relatively small, with only five dental assistants currently employed in the area. Job opportunities may be influenced by the local cost of living index, which stands at 96, suggesting that everyday expenses are lower than the national average. This can enhance the purchasing power of dental assistants despite their lower salaries compared to other regions. Among local employers, specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery tend to offer higher wages than general dental practices or even pediatric offices. Factors such as credentials from the DANB or state-specific expanded function authority can significantly impact earnings, with EFDA-credentialed DAs enjoying 25-40% higher pay in regions that recognize these qualifications. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Murphy, pursuing specialized training, considering roles in higher-paying practices, and potentially taking on hybrid positions like treatment coordinators may offer beneficial pathways toward increasing income.
More salary data for Murphy, 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 $40,335 for dental assistantsin the Murphy 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 Murphy 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