Dental Assistant Salary in Temple, TX: $45,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Temple, TX earns a median $45,470/year (≈ $21.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Temple's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $47,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temple, TX, dental assistant salaries showcase a compelling blend of earnings potential across various practices, influenced heavily by employment structure. The projected median annual salary sits at $45,470, slightly below the national median of $49,579. With a salary range spanning from $36,511 to $59,353, professionals in the field can expect variability based on whether they work in corporate settings with larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or independent practices. The recruitment strategies of entities like Heartland and Aspen Dental often dictate standardized pay scales, which might offer less flexibility than solo practices, yet provide a steady income with clear growth trajectories in a growing market, further underscored by an annual growth rate of 3.14%.
About the Temple Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,511 | $17.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,642 | $20.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,470 | $21.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,431 | $26.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,353 | $28.54 |
Median Salary Position
8.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temple
In Temple, TX, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,842 (2026 est.). At $45,470, the local median is 8.29% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temple: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temple Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Temple median: $45,470/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temple Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $45,020 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -8.29% less |
Dental Assistants in Temple, TX earn a median of $45,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.29% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% above the Texas state average of $45,020.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temple 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.
Temple, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,470 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,365 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,758
2025 BLS Actual
$44,086
2026 Current Est.
$45,470
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,456 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,683 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,898 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temple metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,758 (2019) to $44,086 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,898 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,140 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple 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) | $36,511 – $42,642 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,642 – $45,470 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,470 – $55,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,431 – $59,353 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Temple
Analyzing the employment landscape, Temple currently has 14 dental assistants, reflecting a localized job market with unique compensation dynamics. The cost of living index is at 96, signifying more affordable living expenses which directly enhance take-home purchasing power for dental assistants in the area. Among potential employers, general dental practices generally offer more modest pay compared to specialized offices such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices, which often command higher wages. Several factors contribute to the pay variance, including specialties, credentialing like EFDA for expanded functions, and the additional responsibilities of treatment coordinators. Maximizing earnings in Temple involves pursuing continuous education, gaining specialized certifications, and considering opportunities within DSOs, which offer structured paths for advancement and potential stipends for mentorship roles.
More salary data for Temple, 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 $44,086 for dental assistantsin the Temple 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 Temple 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