Dallas vs Killeen: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Killeen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Killeen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,064▲ | $45,846 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.59▲ | $22.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,976▲ | $36,285 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,795▲ | $39,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,219▲ | $48,816 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,553▲ | $58,398 |
| Total Employed | 9,010▲ | 470 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Killeen.
The salary gap between Dallas and Killeen is $3,218 (7.02%). Dallas's median is -1.04% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $22,577,Killeen spans $22,113. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Killeen ($50,307 effective) pays 5.70% more than Dallas ($47,593 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,064/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,553)
- ✓Larger job market (9,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Killeen if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,307)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Dallas grew 13.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Killeen over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$42,020 (2019) → $47,570 (2025)
Killeen, TX
$38,230 (2019) → $44,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Killeen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Dallas or Killeen?
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Should I relocate from Dallas to Killeen as a dental assistant?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov