Dental Assistant Salary in North Carolina
Dental Assistants in North Carolina earn an average of $46,448 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.2% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$46,448
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.33
per hour
vs National
-0.2%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$29,327
to $67,109
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$46,448
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$48,383
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $46,448 has the purchasing power of $48,383 in an average-cost area.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $47,068 | $22.63/hr | $29,388 | $69,418 | 364 |
| Charlotte, NC | $45,828 | $22.03/hr | $29,266 | $64,799 | 330 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 694 Dental Assistants employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Dental Assistant Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$29,327
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$46,448
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$67,109
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Nurse Practitioner
$127,220
avg in NC
+$80,772 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$91,454
avg in NC
+$45,006 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$90,194
avg in NC
+$43,746 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$60,392
avg in NC
+$13,944 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$38,744
avg in NC
-$7,704 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina?
The average Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina is $46,448 per year ($22.33/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.2% below the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in North Carolina, with a median salary of $47,068 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $45,828.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in North Carolina?
Dental Assistant salaries in North Carolina range from $29,327 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $67,109 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $46,448 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.