Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $25.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wilmington, NC runs $25.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,715 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,626 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $25.34, reflecting a competitive compensation level compared to the national hourly median of $23.84. This hourly rate offers attractive prospects for part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, giving them a stable yet flexible income. For per-diem workers, who are often employed in various settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and surgical suites, the financial viability becomes even more pronounced. A dental assistant's hourly earnings can range from $18.83 for entry-level positions to as high as $29.52 for experienced professionals, showcasing the diverse opportunities available to those in this field in Wilmington. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reinforces the city's appeal for aspiring dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.83 | $150.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.36 | $186.89 |
| Median (P50) | $25.34 | $202.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.61 | $228.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.52 | $236.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $25.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.34/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,410. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.66 | $4,393 | $52,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.20 | $2,636 | $31,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.46 | $1,757 | $21,084 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wilmington) | $25.34 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $52,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.33% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% above the North Carolina state average of $51,479.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.34/hr = $31,626/year (purchasing power: $32,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,710/year (purchasing power: $54,666).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wilmington grew 34.6% from $18.26/hr (2019) to $24.57/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.14/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
For those considering part-time positions in Wilmington, the earning potential becomes clear. A dental assistant working a typical schedule of 24 hours a week could take home around $31,750 annually, while a full-time colleague could earn significantly more, offering a different lifestyle balance. The per diem dental assistant pay in Wilmington typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates between $28 and $45 per hour. This variation indicates that hourly rates are influenced by the type of practice, whether it be a general dental office, a pediatric specialty, or a larger DSO such as Pacific Dental or Heartland. Prospective dental assistants should weigh the trade-offs of health benefits versus higher hourly rates, as some may prefer lower compensation for the security that benefits provide. When negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing skills, certifications like DANB or EFDA, and connection to established networks in Wilmington could be strategically beneficial.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Wilmington?
Are dental assistants in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Wilmington?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
Related Pages
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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 Wilmington. 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