Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Mooresville, NC: $23.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Mooresville, NC runs $23.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Mooresville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,721 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Mooresville, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.82. This figure is closely aligned with the national hourly median of $23.84, indicating that the local market for dental assistant hourly pay in Mooresville is competitive. This rate benefits both part-time professionals and per-diem workers, who typically operate in varied environments such as general dentistry offices, orthodontic practices, and even dental school student clinics. Entry-level dental assistants in the area might earn around $19.68 per hour, while experienced professionals can command as much as $30.93. It’s worth noting that these hourly rates are derived from projections based on annual salary data and reflect the demand for dental staff across a range of specialties.
About the Mooresville 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) | $19.68 | $157.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.67 | $181.36 |
| Median (P50) | $23.82 | $190.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.71 | $221.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.93 | $247.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mooresville
Based on $23.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.82/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mooresville, NC can expect to earn approximately $49,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,578. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mooresville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mooresville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.60 | $4,128 | $49,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.56 | $2,477 | $29,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.04 | $1,651 | $19,814 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Mooresville) | $23.82 |
| 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 Mooresville, NC earn a median of $49,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.80% below the North Carolina state average of $51,492.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.82/hr = $29,721/year (purchasing power: $31,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,535/year (purchasing power: $52,922).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Mooresville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Mooresville grew 19.9% from $19.25/hr (2019) to $23.09/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.56/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 Mooresville 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 Mooresville
Analyzing the earning potential for dental assistants further reveals intriguing insights, particularly for those working part-time or per-diem. A dental assistant working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to see a significant annual income, though it would still fall short of a full-time salary. For per-diem professionals, billing rates can vary widely—ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, with those engaged in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning between $28 to $45 per hour. Different employer types also influence hourly wages; general practices may offer lower rates compared to specialized offices or larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, which often have standardized pay scales. For dental assistants considering their options in Mooresville, balancing hourly pay against benefits like health insurance and retirement plans is crucial. Some professionals may opt for a lower hourly wage in exchange for comprehensive benefits, a decision requiring careful consideration of both immediate finances and long-term career goals. Effective negotiation tactics can also enhance earning potential, so being informed about market rates and specific employer offerings is vital for success in this evolving field.
More salary data for Mooresville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Mooresville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Mooresville?
Are dental assistants in Mooresville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Mooresville?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mooresville?
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 Mooresville. 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 Mooresville 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