North Carolina ranks 14th of 51 states and D.C. for dental assistants pay, trailing top-paying Minnesota ($64,630) by $15,920 — a 33% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,330 to $59,300 — a $21,970 spread, 14% tighter than the national $25,590 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.0% of all dental assistants in the country (11,100 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| 25th percentile | $45,100 | $21.68 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,710 | $23.42 |
| 75th percentile | $56,840 | $27.33 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,300 | $28.51 |
| Mean (average) | $49,270 | $23.69 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $48,710 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | +19% |
| Oregon | $57,720 | +18% |
| Washington | $57,040 | +17% |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 | +16% |
| Alaska | $55,950 | +15% |
| Maine | $51,340 | +5% |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | +5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $48,780 | 1,330 |
| Chemical Technicians | $48,870 | 1,360 |
| Teachers and Instructors, All Other | $48,550 | 2,430 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,530 | 25,260 |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $48,530 | 7,780 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $48,910 | 15,890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistants salary in North Carolina?
The mean dental assistants salary in North Carolina is $49,270 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,710 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Assistants in North Carolina?
Entry-level dental assistantss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $37,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,100 per year.
What is the highest Dental Assistants salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $59,300 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $56,840 per year.
How does the North Carolina Dental Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median dental assistants salary in North Carolina is $48,710, which is +3% above national average of $47,300.