Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rocky Mount, NC: $24.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rocky Mount, NC runs $24.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rocky Mount's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,004 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the 2026 median hourly pay for dental assistants is projected to be $24.04, slightly surpassing the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a competitive edge for those working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. Part-time dental assistants working three days a week may find this pay structure beneficial, allowing flexibility while earning a stable income. Entry-level positions typically start at $16.96 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $26.98, emphasizing a clear pathway for growth within the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the evolving nature of compensation in dental care.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.96 | $135.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.36 | $146.87 |
| Median (P50) | $24.04 | $192.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.09 | $200.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.98 | $215.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rocky Mount
Based on $24.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.04/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rocky Mount, NC can expect to earn approximately $50,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,850. With a cost-of-living index of 88.01 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rocky Mount.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rocky Mount
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.68 | $4,167 | $50,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.01 | $2,500 | $30,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.67 | $1,667 | $20,003 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rocky Mount) | $24.04 |
| 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 Rocky Mount, NC earn a median of $50,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.90% below the North Carolina state average of $51,506.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.04/hr = $30,004/year (purchasing power: $34,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,007/year (purchasing power: $56,819).
CoL index: 88.012 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rocky Mount (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rocky Mount grew 15.3% from $20.21/hr (2019) to $23.31/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.80/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 Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount
Considering the financial landscape for dental assistants, part-time professionals might expect to take home a fair wage despite their reduced hours; for instance, a dental assistant working 24 hours each week could earn an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem dental assistant pay in Rocky Mount can vary, with standard rates between $22 to $35 per hour, while those in specialized roles, particularly in oral surgery or orthodontics, might command $28 to $45 per hour. Agencies connecting dental assistants with temporary positions offer flexibility but also introduce variability in hourly rates based on specialty and demand. Working in a general dental practice may yield different hourly compensation than roles in specialty clinics or dental school clinics, illustrating how employer type influences pay. The choice between a higher hourly rate and benefits like health insurance can impact decision-making for dental assistants, particularly in this competitive market where DSO chains establish uniform pay scales. Understanding this landscape will aid candidates in effectively negotiating their worth in Rocky Mount's dental community, ensuring they secure the most favorable terms possible.
More salary data for Rocky Mount, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rocky Mount in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Rocky Mount?
Are dental assistants in Rocky Mount paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Rocky Mount?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rocky Mount?
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 Rocky Mount. 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