Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Dental Assistant Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median dental assistant salary in Durham, NC is $40,385 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$40,385
vs State Avg
+$1,276
vs National
$-2,125
Cost of Living
95%

Dental Assistant Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median dental assistant salary of $40,385, which is $1,276 above the North Carolina state average of $39,109. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Durham spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $57,000 at the 90th percentile — a $28,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,450, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $29,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,450
$-1,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,850
$-2,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $28,500
25th Percentile $33,250
Median (50th) $40,385
75th Percentile $49,400
90th Percentile $57,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$41,660
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$41,660
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$37,409
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$36,559
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Durham

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Durham

Browse open dental assistant positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Durham

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Durham, North Carolina is $40,385 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $57,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,385, a dental assistant in Durham earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Durham's median dental assistant salary of $40,385 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $39,109. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $40,385 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Durham? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Durham require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.