Healthcare Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Dental Assistant Salary in Austin, Texas

The median dental assistant salary in Austin, TX is $45,486 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 13.8% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$45,486
vs State Avg
+$5,527
vs National
+$2,976
Cost of Living
105%

Dental Assistant Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median dental assistant salary of $45,486, which is $5,527 above the Texas state average of $39,959. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Austin spans from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $64,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,170, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,060. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Assistant Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $33,170, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,170
+$2,170 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,010
+$3,010 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $32,100
25th Percentile $37,450
Median (50th) $45,486
75th Percentile $55,640
90th Percentile $64,200

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$43,360
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$41,660
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$39,959
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$38,259
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Austin

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Austin and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Austin

Browse open dental assistant positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Austin

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Austin, Texas is $45,486 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $64,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,486, a dental assistant in Austin earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Austin's median dental assistant salary of $45,486 is 13.8% above the Texas state average of $39,959. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $45,486 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Austin? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Austin require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.