Durham vs Greensboro: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Durham, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,292▲ | $51,364 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.62▲ | $24.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,771▲ | $39,864 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,941▲ | $47,475 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,038▲ | $56,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,833▲ | $59,656 |
| Total Employed | 640 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.
The salary gap between Durham and Greensboro is $1,928 (3.75%). Durham's median is +7.49% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $22,062,Greensboro spans $19,792. Durham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($55,310 effective) pays 1.27% more than Durham ($54,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,833)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,310)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Durham grew 7.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Durham, NC
$47,870 (2019) → $51,670 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$41,470 (2019) → $49,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Greensboro, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov