Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in High Point, NC: $24.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in High Point, NC runs $24.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,573 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against High Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, North Carolina, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $24.31, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $23.84. This pay rate caters to both full-time and part-time employees, allowing someone working part-time at three days a week to earn a substantial income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range for dental assistants in the area spans from $18.86 at the entry-level to as high as $32.92 for top earners. As projected for 2026, these figures were derived from annual salary data, reflecting the growing recognition of the dental assistant's role across various settings including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty clinics.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.37 | $178.97 |
| Median (P50) | $24.31 | $194.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.26 | $242.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.92 | $263.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in High Point
Based on $24.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.31/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in High Point, NC can expect to earn approximately $50,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,172. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in High Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in High Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $972.40 | $4,214 | $50,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $583.44 | $2,528 | $30,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.96 | $1,686 | $20,226 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (High Point) | $24.31 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in High Point, NC earn a median of $50,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.00% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.80% below the North Carolina state average of $51,500.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.31/hr = $30,339/year (purchasing power: $32,413).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,565/year (purchasing power: $54,022).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in High Point grew 19.9% from $19.65/hr (2019) to $23.57/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in High Point
Considering part-time work, an assistant operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule could expect to earn around $50,573 annually, which illustrates a significant income for those opting for flexibility. Per diem opportunities in High Point vary, with rates ranging from $22 to a high of $45 per hour for specialty roles such as oral surgery and orthodontics, providing lucrative prospects for those willing to take on sporadic shifts. There’s a distinction between hourly rates across various employer types—general practices, specialty offices, and agencies often propose different rates influenced by the role's demands and the specific market. Many dental assistants weigh the benefits of working for companies offering health insurance against seeking higher hourly pay without benefits, considering their long-term health and financial needs. Negotiating these hourly rates effectively is essential; professionals can benefit from staying informed about current market trends and leverage their skills to secure better pay.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in High Point in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in High Point?
Are dental assistants in High Point paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in High Point?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in High Point?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in High Point. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for High Point is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov