Dental Assistant Salary in Raleigh, NC: $41,660 (2026)

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

Raleigh offers a median dental assistant salary of $41,660, which is $2,551 above the North Carolina state average of $39,109. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $58,800 at the 90th percentile — a $29,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,380, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,840. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $30,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,380

$-620 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$42,140

$-860 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$56,840

$-1,160 vs national

Percentile	Raleigh	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$29,400	$27,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$34,300	$32,200	$35,000
Median (50th)	$41,660	$39,109	$42,510
75th Percentile	$50,960	$47,840	$52,000
90th Percentile	$58,800	$55,200	$60,000

Percentile

Raleigh

10th Percentile

$29,400

25th Percentile

$34,300

Median (50th)

$41,660

75th Percentile

$50,960

90th Percentile

$58,800

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Raleigh

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Raleigh 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Raleigh, NC? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $41,660 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $58,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Raleigh? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $41,660, a dental assistant in Raleigh earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Raleigh's median dental assistant salary of $41,660 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $39,109. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼

Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $41,660 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Raleigh? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Raleigh 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.

Dental Assistant Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina