Dental Assistant Salary in Plano, TX: $47,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Plano, TX earns a median $47,008/year (≈ $22.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Plano's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $48,967 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Plano, TX, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $47,008, which is slightly below the national average of $49,579. The pay scale for this profession in the area shows a notable range, with entry-level positions starting at $33,925 and experienced dental assistants potentially earning up to $61,546. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, accounting for local economic conditions and cost adjustments. As the demand for dental services continues to grow in Plano, particularly in specialized fields like orthodontics and oral surgery, the potential for higher earnings in these areas presents a lucrative opportunity for those entering the profession.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,925 | $16.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,503 | $19.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,008 | $22.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,144 | $27.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,546 | $29.59 |
Median Salary Position
5.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
In Plano, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,621 (2026 est.). At $47,008, the local median is 5.19% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plano: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plano Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Plano median: $47,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plano Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $44,984 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.19% less |
Dental Assistants in Plano, TX earn a median of $47,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.19% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $44,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plano 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.
Plano, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,008 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,967 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,001
2025 BLS Actual
$45,577
2026 Current Est.
$47,008
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,044 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,125 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,577 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,484 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plano metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,001 (2019) to $45,577 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,484 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,483 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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) | $33,925 – $41,503 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,503 – $47,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,008 – $57,144 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,144 – $61,546 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Plano
Employment for dental assistants in Plano is relatively stable, with around 57 professionals currently in the field. The cost of living index in this region stands at 96, indicating lower living costs compared to the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of earnings. Employers such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices typically offer the highest pay, particularly those affiliated with large DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen Dental, which adopt standardized pay scales across their locations. Factors influencing salary variability include the type of practice, certifications like EFDA, and whether the assistant takes on additional roles, such as treatment coordinating. To maximize income potential, aspiring dental assistants should consider pursuing specialized training and seeking positions in high-paying specialties or large chain practices that offer career growth paths.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Plano?
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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 $45,577 for dental assistantsin the Plano 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 Plano 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