Dentist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$207,000
$99.52/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+17.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$108K – $338K
4K employed in North Carolina
The average Dentist salary in North Carolina is a robust $207,000 annually, placing the state significantly ahead of the national average by 18%. This figure represents the midpoint, with most dentists in North Carolina earning between $107,810 and $337,630, reflecting a healthy demand for dental professionals within the state.
Several factors contribute to the Dentist salary in North Carolina, including the specific geographic location within the state, the type of practice (e.g., private, group, or public health), years of experience, and any specialized skills or certifications a dentist may possess. The current employment of 4,140 dental professionals also plays a role in this competitive salary landscape.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $107,810 |
| 25th percentile | $151,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $207,000 |
| 75th percentile | $232,880 |
| 90th percentile | $337,630 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $181,590 |
| 2023 | $177,420 |
| 2024 | $191,280 |
| 2025 | $207,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $219,420 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $181,590 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $177,420 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $191,280 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $207,000 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $219,420 | $186,249 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $151,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $207,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $232,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $337,630 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Dentist ($207,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +92.5% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +63.9% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +40.0% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +8.5% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +4.1% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +4.0% | $103.48/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | -11.3% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | -18.4% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | -22.0% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | -32.9% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | -35.0% | $64.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NC | $129,360 | -37.5% | $62.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a dentist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for dentists in North Carolina is $207,000 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $100. This median figure is 17.8% higher than the national average for dentists.
What is the typical salary range for dentists in North Carolina?
- Dentists in North Carolina can expect to earn a wide range of salaries, with the typical range falling between $107,810 and $337,630 annually. This means that while many dentists earn around the median of $207,000, there are opportunities for significantly higher compensation.
How much do dentists in North Carolina make compared to the national average?
- Dentists in North Carolina earn more than the national average, with a median salary of $207,000 annually, which is 17.8% higher. This indicates a strong earning potential for dental professionals in the state.
How many dentists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 4,140 dentists currently employed in North Carolina. This substantial number reflects a healthy job market for dental professionals in the state.