Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $23.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Jacksonville, NC runs $23.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,476 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.1, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,683 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Jacksonville, North Carolina, presents a competitive hourly pay rate for dental assistants, with the expected median sitting at $23.78 in 2026, only slightly below the national median of $23.84. For dental assistants working part-time, such as those in general dentistry or specialty practices, this hourly rate can translate to a decent income, particularly for those working three days a week. Given this structure, hourly earnings can range from $17.48 for entry-level positions up to $26.91 for highly experienced or specialized practitioners. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the earning potential across various settings—whether in a pediatric clinic, orthodontic office, or even at dental schools.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.48 | $139.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.90 | $183.18 |
| Median (P50) | $23.78 | $190.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.91 | $199.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.91 | $215.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $23.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.78/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $49,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,541. With a cost-of-living index of 92.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.36 | $4,123 | $49,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.82 | $2,474 | $29,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.55 | $1,649 | $19,788 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Jacksonville) | $23.78 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $49,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.21% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the North Carolina state average of $51,484.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.78/hr = $29,683/year (purchasing power: $32,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,471/year (purchasing power: $53,723).
CoL index: 92.085 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Jacksonville grew 15.5% from $19.96/hr (2019) to $23.06/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.53/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Considering this hourly rate, part-time dental assistants in Jacksonville often find their earnings add up differently than full-time counterparts. For instance, a dental assistant working just 24 hours weekly could expect an annual income significantly lower than those working full-time, yet still viable in many lifestyles. Per diem dental assistant pay in Jacksonville varies widely, with rates typically between $22-$35 per hour; however, specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can see per diem rates soaring to $28-$45. Additionally, the type of employer plays a crucial role in determining pay ranges—dental assistants in corporate DSOs like Heartland or Aspen may experience standardized pay scales, while those in private practices or specialty offices might have more room for negotiation. Some assistants opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits and stability, while others chase higher pay without benefits. Those interested in negotiating hourly pay should consider offering expanded function responsibilities or additional certifications, as these can make them more valuable in the eyes of potential employers.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Jacksonville?
Are dental assistants in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Jacksonville?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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