Healthcare Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Dentist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median dentist salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $137,918 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$137,918
vs State Avg
$-9,622
vs National
$-22,452
Cost of Living
86%

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

Winston-Salem offers a median dentist salary of $137,918, which is $9,622 below the North Carolina state average of $147,540. Compared to the national median of $160,370, 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 $137,918 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $160,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Winston-Salem spans from $68,800 at the 10th percentile to $216,720 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,100, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,100. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level dentist earns around $73,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,320
$-22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,100
$-32,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $68,800
25th Percentile $98,900
Median (50th) $137,918
75th Percentile $178,880
90th Percentile $216,720

Dentist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$157,163
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$157,163
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$152,352
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$141,126
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Dentist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open dentist positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Dentist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median dentist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $137,918 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $68,800 (10th percentile) to $216,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,918, a dentist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for dentist pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median dentist salary of $137,918 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $147,540. 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 dentist salary of $137,918 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most dentist positions in Winston-Salem 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.