Dental Assistant Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $49,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Jacksonville, NC earns a median $49,476/year (≈ $23.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Jacksonville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.1), that paycheck buys what $53,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jacksonville, NC, the expanding role of dental assistants, especially those with EFDA credentials, significantly influences earning potential, leading to a median annual salary of $49,476 in 2026. For those just entering the field or working as general dental assistants, compensation ranges from $36,357 to $55,964, encompassing the diverse skill levels and responsibilities typical in this profession. The data is derived from detailed BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting how certification and expanded functions contribute to above-average pay rates in the area. With an encouraging growth rate of 3.14%, the job market for dental assistants in Jacksonville, particularly in spacious group practices or DSO chains, shows strong potential for ongoing job openings and advancement opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,357 | $17.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,620 | $22.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,476 | $23.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,807 | $24.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,964 | $26.91 |
Median Salary Position
0.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, NC, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,607 (2026 est.). At $49,476, the local median is 0.21% below the national median of $49,579.
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At 40 hours/week in Jacksonville: You'd be above the median
How Jacksonville Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Jacksonville median: $49,476/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jacksonville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $51,484 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.21% less |
Dental Assistants in Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $49,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.21% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the North Carolina state average of $51,484.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jacksonville has a cost of living 7.92% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jacksonville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 92.085 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $49,476 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,729 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.6% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,510
2025 BLS Actual
$47,970
2026 Current Est.
$49,476
2019–2027 Growth
+22.9%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,030 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jacksonville metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 15.6% from $41,510 (2019) to $47,970 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,030 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,520 (22.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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) | $36,357 – $47,620 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,620 – $49,476 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,476 – $51,807 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,807 – $55,964 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville job market currently employs around 170 dental assistants, presenting various options for those seeking work in this field. Given the local cost of living index at 92.085, salaries provide a balanced take-home purchasing power for residents. Notably, employers in specialty areas, such as oral surgery and orthodontics, tend to offer higher wages compared to general practices. Factors driving the salary variation include the presence of advanced EFDA roles, combined duties as treatment coordinators, and stipends for mentoring junior assistants. With the push from DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen Dental, candidates are encouraged to seek out opportunities that include pathway training for roles such as registered dental hygienists if looking for long-term growth. For dental assistants in Jacksonville, maximizing earning potential often rests on pursuing specialized training and exploring diverse practice settings.
More salary data for Jacksonville, 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 $47,970 for dental assistantsin the Jacksonville 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