Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Monroe, NC: $23.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Monroe, NC runs $23.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Monroe, North Carolina, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $23.80, only slightly below the national average of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time dental assistants working in various environments, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and oral surgery suites. For those in part-time roles, such as a 24-hour work week, this pay translates to notable financial stability. The hourly wage ranges from $19.66 for entry-level positions to $30.05 for those who excel in specialized roles, reflecting the diverse skill sets within the profession. These estimates are crucial for indicating potential earnings, especially for dental assistants seeking flexible schedules or per-diem opportunities as they navigate their career paths.
About the Monroe 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) | $19.66 | $157.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.65 | $181.20 |
| Median (P50) | $23.80 | $190.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.58 | $228.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.05 | $240.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $23.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.80/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, NC can expect to earn approximately $49,514 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,566. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.19 | $4,126 | $49,514 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.31 | $2,476 | $29,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.88 | $1,650 | $19,806 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Monroe) | $23.80 |
| 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 Monroe, NC earn a median of $49,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.80% below the North Carolina state average of $51,471.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.80/hr = $29,708/year (purchasing power: $31,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,514/year (purchasing power: $52,899).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Monroe grew 19.9% from $19.24/hr (2019) to $23.08/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.55/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Looking at the part-time earning potential more closely, a dental assistant working three days a week can expect to earn about $29,856 annually, which is a significant contrast to the earnings of full-time professionals. For per-diem dental assistants, the reality varies widely; while typical billing rates hover between $22 and $35 per hour, specialty areas like oral surgery and orthodontics can yield rates from $28 to $45. Monroe's dental care landscape illustrates a variance in hourly pay depending on the type of employer, whether it's a solo practice, a larger group setting, or fast-expanding dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen. Many dental assistants face the challenge of choosing between higher hourly compensation and the stability of benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating their rates in Monroe, understanding local market trends and demonstrating specialized skills can significantly enhance their bargaining power, allowing them to navigate the competitive nature of the dental assistant hourly rate NC while pursuing advantageous employment opportunities.
More salary data for Monroe, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Monroe?
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How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Monroe?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?
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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 Monroe. 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 Monroe 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