Dental assistants play a crucial role in providing dental care to patients. They assist dentists with procedures, prepare and maintain instruments, and perform administrative tasks. The average salary of a dental assistant in Texas is a competitive and rewarding wage. According to most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants earned an estimated median annual wage of $38,660 as of 2021.
Texas is a large state with diverse economic opportunities, and as such, salaries for dental assistants can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience level and geographic location within the state.
Variation of Salary As Per Job location:
Dental assistants working in major cities like Austin or Dallas can expect to earn more than those employed in smaller towns throughout Texas. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary of a dental assistant in Austin was around $44,500 as of January, 2023. Similarly, entry-level dental assistants in Dallas earned an average of around $44,871 annually.
Variation of Salary As Per Experience & Specialization:
In addition to geographic differences in pay rates throughout Texas, other factors affecting wages for dental assistants include industry experience and specialization such as periodontics or orthodontics training. According to ZipRecruiter data from January 2021 the highest paying jobs for dental assistants were located primarily in Houston but also included cities such as Amarillo and San Antonio where positions could provide upwards of $45,000 annually for experienced professionals specializing in areas like endodontics or prosthodontics.
3 Other Factors Impacting The Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Texas
- Education: Dental assistants with advanced degrees or certifications can expect to earn a higher salary. For example, a dental assistant with a bachelor’s degree in dental assisting can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 per year, while a dental assistant with a certification in radiology can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 per year.
- Employer: The salary of dental assistants also varies depending on the type of employer they work for. For example, dental assistants working in private dental practices earn an average salary of $35,000 per year, while those working in hospitals earn an average salary of $40,000 per year.
- Type of Dental Procedures: The salary of dental assistants also depends on the type of dental procedures they assist with. For example, dental assistants who assist with complex procedures such as root canal therapy and crown and bridge work can expect to earn a higher salary.
Conclusion
Wages for dental assistants operating within the state of Texas often exceed the national average due largely to local economic conditions and demographic factors but also due to variables such as individual experience level and specialty certifications held by experienced professional practitioners.