How much does a dental assistant make in Durham?
$51,670a year
Median yearly pay for dental assistants in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area. That is $24.84 an hour or $4,306 a month.
- Hourly
- $24.84
- Vs. national median
- +7%
- Rank among cities
- 52 of 388
- Jobs in the area
- 640
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $39,530Median: $51,670Highest 10%: $60,920
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,530 | $19.00 | |
| 25th | $49,390 | $23.75 | |
| Median | $51,670 | $24.84 | |
| 75th | $59,180 | $28.45 | |
| 90th | $60,920 | $29.29 |
Other cities in North Carolina
Median yearly pay for dental assistants.
| Raleigh, NC | $58,750 |
| Asheville, NC | $56,680 |
| Wilmington, NC | $51,110 |
| Burlington, NC | $50,140 |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,060 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $50,060 |
| Greensboro, NC | $49,800 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $49,520 |
| Greenville, NC | $49,420 |
| Hickory, NC | $48,720 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $48,490 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $48,210 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $47,970 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $46,670 |
Related jobs in Durham
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $73,970 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $66,230 |
| Massage Therapist | $61,170 |
| Phlebotomist | $47,690 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,450 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $44,230 |
| Healthcare Support Worker | $43,220 |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,560 |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $37,980 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $37,580 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make an hour in Durham?
The median hourly pay in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area is $24.84 ($51,670 a year).
Do dental assistants make more in Durham than the national average?
Yes: $51,670 against $48,070 nationally, 7% more.
How does Durham compare with the rest of North Carolina?
The median in North Carolina is $50,380, so Durham pays 3% more.
Where does Durham rank for dental assistant pay?
52 of 388 metro areas with data.
How much does a dental assistant make starting out in Durham?
The lowest-paid 10% make $39,530 or less a year; the top 10% make $60,920 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.