Dental Assistant Salary in Burlington, NC: $51,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Burlington, NC earns a median $51,714/year (≈ $24.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $55,490 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, the dental assistant salary is projected to reach a median annual income of $51,714 in 2026, demonstrating a notable increase compared to the national median of $49,579. The salary range reflects a diverse market, with entry-level positions earning approximately $39,100 and experienced roles reaching up to $59,161. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the impact of the growing presence of dental service organizations (DSOs) which often utilize standardized pay scales. Conversely, solo practices and small groups may offer more flexible salary structures, attracting candidates willing to engage in diverse roles. As DSOs continue to consolidate in Burlington, dental assistants can expect both opportunities and variations in their compensation depending on the type of practice they join.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,100 | $18.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,826 | $23.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,714 | $24.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,078 | $27.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,161 | $28.45 |
Median Salary Position
4.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, NC, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,061 (2026 est.). At $51,714, the local median is 4.31% above the national median of $49,579.
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At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be above the median
How Burlington Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Burlington median: $51,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $51,508 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +4.31% more |
Dental Assistants in Burlington, NC earn a median of $51,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% above the North Carolina state average of $51,508.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.196 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $51,714 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,490 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,440
2025 BLS Actual
$50,140
2026 Current Est.
$51,714
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,338 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 15.4% from $43,440 (2019) to $50,140 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,338 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,898 (22.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,100 – $48,826 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,826 – $51,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,714 – $58,078 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,078 – $59,161 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Burlington
With about 150 dental assistants employed locally, the job market for this profession remains stable. The cost-of-living index in Burlington stands at 93.196, which reflects a modestly lower living expense than the national average, allowing for a slightly higher purchasing power with an annual salary of around $51,714. Notably, practices such as orthodontic and oral surgery tend to offer the highest salaries, while general dental offices may provide more entry-level opportunities. The differences in dental assistant pay in Burlington can also stem from various factors including specialty roles, additional certifications like EFDA, and hybrid positions such as treatment coordinators. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Burlington, pursuing advanced training, obtaining DANB certification, or considering employment with DSOs can enhance career prospects and earnings potential.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,140 for dental assistantsin the Burlington metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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