Dental Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $36,559 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median dental assistant salary of $36,559, which is $2,550 below the North Carolina state average of $39,109. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $36,559 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,510 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for dental assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental assistants in Winston-Salem spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $51,600 at the 90th percentile — a $25,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,660, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $26,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,660

$-4,340 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$36,980

$-6,020 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$49,880

$-8,120 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$25,800	$27,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$30,100	$32,200	$35,000
Median (50th)	$36,559	$39,109	$42,510
75th Percentile	$44,720	$47,840	$52,000
90th Percentile	$51,600	$55,200	$60,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$25,800

25th Percentile

$30,100

Median (50th)

$36,559

75th Percentile

$44,720

90th Percentile

$51,600

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $36,559 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $51,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $36,559, a dental assistant in Winston-Salem earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median dental assistant salary of $36,559 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $39,109. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $36,559 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina