Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Winston, NC: $24.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Winston, NC runs $24.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,632 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Winston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,983 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winston, North Carolina, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive rate of $24.83, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This favorable rate is vital for various employment arrangements within dental practices, from part-time work three days a week to per-diem positions in diverse settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, or specialty practices like orthodontics and oral surgery. The hourly range for dental assistants in the area stretches from $19.03 at the lower end of the market to $29.38 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the substantial variation in roles and responsibilities that exist within the field.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.03 | $152.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.98 | $191.84 |
| Median (P50) | $24.83 | $198.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.39 | $219.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.38 | $235.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston
Based on $24.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.83/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,638 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,791. With a cost-of-living index of 92.04 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $993.03 | $4,303 | $51,638 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.82 | $2,582 | $30,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.21 | $1,721 | $20,655 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Winston) | $24.83 |
| 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 Winston, NC earn a median of $51,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% above the North Carolina state average of $51,477.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.83/hr = $30,983/year (purchasing power: $33,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,638/year (purchasing power: $56,102).
CoL index: 92.043 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Winston grew 21.9% from $19.74/hr (2019) to $24.07/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.61/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 Winston 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 Winston
When considering part-time roles, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to earn approximately $30,000 annually, which provides a different entry point compared to full-time positions. Many dental assistants choose to work per-diem, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding even higher rates of $28 to $45. The hourly pay can differ significantly based on the employer type; dental assistants in group practices or DSO chains may find more stability and benefits than those in smaller offices. While some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages with comprehensive health benefits, others prioritize higher pay that comes without such perks. For those in Winston looking to negotiate, understanding the local market rates and the demand for specific skills—such as expanded function authority—can be beneficial in securing better pay and job opportunities.
More salary data for Winston, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Winston in 2026?
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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 Winston. 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