Dental Assistant Salary in North Carolina
Based on 11K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$50,380
$24.22/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
+2.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $60K
11K employed in North Carolina
The median Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina is $50,380 per year, or $24 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand for these essential healthcare professionals across the state. With a total of 11,450 employed Dental Assistants, North Carolina offers a significant job market.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina. Experience level, location within the state (major cities often pay more), the type of dental practice (general vs. specialist), and additional certifications all play a role. Wages typically fall between $38,240 and $60,200 annually.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,240 |
| 25th percentile | $47,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,380 |
| 75th percentile | $57,720 |
| 90th percentile | $60,200 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,891 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,380 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,891 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,200 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Dental Assistant ($50,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +690.8% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +573.6% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +475.2% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +345.8% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +327.6% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +327.2% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +310.9% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +264.3% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +235.2% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +220.7% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +175.6% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +167.1% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Dental Assistant in North Carolina is $50,380 per year. This equates to an hourly wage of approximately $24.
How does the Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Dental Assistants in North Carolina earn approximately 2.6% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $50,380 is a bit higher than what is seen across the country.
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in North Carolina?
- Most Dental Assistants in North Carolina can expect to earn between $38,240 and $60,200 per year. The median salary falls right in the middle of this range at $50,380 annually.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in North Carolina?
- There are currently 11,450 Dental Assistants employed in North Carolina. This indicates a substantial job market for individuals in this profession within the state.