📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Dental Assistant Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$41,805
per year
Median
$39,822
per year
Hourly
$20.1
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$29,109
25th Percentile — Junior$35,146
50th Percentile — Median$39,822
75th Percentile — Senior$48,730
90th Percentile — Top Earners$53,162
💡 Top-earning Dental Assistants in North Carolina make up to $53,162 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$34.7k
2021
$36.0k
2022
$37.4k
2023
$38.8k
2024
$40.3k
2025
$41.8k
2026
📈 Dental Assistant salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Dental Assistant Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $40,133 -4.0% High
Raleigh $40,969 -2.0% High
Greensboro $37,624 -10.0% High
Durham $40,551 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $36,370 -13.0% High
🔍
Dental Assistant Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Dental Assistants. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $41,805 per year, North Carolina's Dental Assistant salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $29,109–$35,146, while experienced Dental Assistants can command $48,730–$53,162.

Looking ahead, the Dental Assistant profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina is $41,805 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $45,940.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Dental Assistants the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Dental Assistant employment.
  • At $41,805/year, North Carolina Dental Assistant salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $45,940/year.