Healthcare Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Dentist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median dentist salary in Charlotte, NC is $157,163 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$157,163
vs State Avg
+$9,623
vs National
$-3,207
Cost of Living
98%

Dentist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median dentist salary of $157,163, which is $9,623 above the North Carolina state average of $147,540. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte'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 dentists in Charlotte spans from $78,400 at the 10th percentile to $246,960 at the 90th percentile — a $168,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,300, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $230,300. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level dentist earns around $83,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $230,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,300
$-1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$158,760
$-3,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$230,300
$-4,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $78,400
25th Percentile $112,700
Median (50th) $157,163
75th Percentile $203,840
90th Percentile $246,960

Dentist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$157,163
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$152,352
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$141,126
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$137,918
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Dentist in Charlotte

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open dentist positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Dentist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median dentist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $157,163 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $78,400 (10th percentile) to $246,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $157,163, a dentist in Charlotte earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for dentist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median dentist salary of $157,163 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $147,540. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $157,163 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Charlotte? ▼
Most dentist positions in Charlotte require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.