Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Matthews, NC: $24.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Matthews, NC runs $24.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Matthews's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,545 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Matthews, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.48, surpassing the national median of $23.84. This competitive wage allows part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, to earn a respectable income while balancing their professional responsibilities with personal commitments. In typical dental settings—from general dentistry to orthodontic practices—entry-level dental assistants can expect to start around $19.24 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn as much as $29.91 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the opportunities available within this occupation for both standard hourly shifts as well as per-diem work, which offers flexibility for those seeking to manage their work-life balance.
About the Matthews 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) | $19.24 | $153.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.63 | $181.03 |
| Median (P50) | $24.48 | $195.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.72 | $229.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.91 | $239.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Matthews
Based on $24.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.48/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Matthews, NC can expect to earn approximately $50,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,370. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Matthews.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Matthews
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $979.00 | $4,242 | $50,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $587.40 | $2,545 | $30,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.60 | $1,697 | $20,363 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Matthews) | $24.48 |
| 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 Matthews, NC earn a median of $50,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.68% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $51,472.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.48/hr = $30,545/year (purchasing power: $32,633).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,908/year (purchasing power: $54,389).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Matthews grew 19.9% from $19.79/hr (2019) to $23.73/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.24/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 Matthews 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 Matthews
For dental assistants considering part-time positions, working a 24-hour week yields an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, highlighting the balancing act between hours worked and overall take-home pay. Per-diem and agency work frequently present varied earning potentials, typically billing from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics may see rates rise between $28 and $45 per hour. In Matthews, hourly rates fluctuate based on the employer type, from solo or group dental practices to larger chains like Heartland and Aspen. While some dental assistants may choose lower hourly wages for the benefits of health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation tactics in this market should emphasize both skill and specialization, particularly for those with expanded function authority (EFDA) credentials, which can lead to increased opportunities and earning potential within the evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Matthews, 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
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 Matthews. 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 Matthews 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