How long does dental assistant training take near Harlingen?

Dental assistant certificate programs near Harlingen typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Actual completion time depends on schedule (full-time vs. part-time) and any prerequisite coursework.

How much do dental assistants earn in Texas?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), dental assistants in Texas earned a median annual wage of approximately $45,430. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $35,400 to $57,640 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

How many dental assistant schools are near Harlingen?

Cameron County reports approximately 70 dental assistant related establishments employing about 800 workers (BLS QCEW, 2024). Compare the schools listed above for tuition, duration, and credential alignment with the local employer base.

Best Dental Assistant Programs in Harlingen, Texas (2026)

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: Dental assistants in Texas earn a median of $45,430 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists accredited dental assistant schools near Harlingen, Texas with local wage data and median graduate earnings for each school.

Dental assistant training in Harlingen, Texas prepares students for entry-level work across the wider Texas labor market. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $45,430 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Harlingen Quick Facts

Metric	Value	Source
State median annual wage	$45,430	BLS OEWS, May 2025
Texas pay range (10th to 90th percentile)	$35,400 to $57,640	BLS OEWS, May 2025
Brownsville, TX metro median wage	$37,560	BLS OEWS, May 2025
National job outlook (2024 to 2034)	+6.4% growth, about 52,900 openings per year	BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
State employment	33,230 workers	BLS OEWS, May 2025
Cameron County establishments	70	BLS QCEW, 2024
Cameron County industry employment	800	BLS QCEW, 2024
Cameron County unemployment rate	5.2%	BLS LAUS, 2024
Texas location quotient	0.95	BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

San Benito, Texas - 5 miles
Weslaco, Texas - 18 miles
Brownsville, Texas - 20 miles
San Juan, Texas - 28 miles
Edinburg, Texas - 30 miles

Explore the Dental assistant Career

Dental assistant training in Texas: state licensing steps, training paths, and local pay.
Dental assistant career guide: national overview of certifications, salary, and job outlook.

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to Harlingen. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the Cameron County and Texas figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.