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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in North Carolina is $39,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,990 | $3,666 | $846 | $21 |
| Average | $39,690 | $3,308 | $763 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,790 | $2,983 | $688 | $17 |
Dental Associates Group - Greensboro, NC
The Teeth Doctors - Fayetteville, NC
North Point Dental Associates - High Point, NC
Kintegra Health - Mocksville, NC
A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $38,998 |
| Intermediate Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $39,841 |
| Senior Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,628 |
| Specialist Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,819 |
| Expert Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,947 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,100. While startup companies pay approximate $35,875.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $35,875 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $37,871 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $40,723 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $42,100 |
For Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $47,628 | $23.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,990 | $3,666 | $846 | $21 |
| Average | $39,690 | $3,308 | $763 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,790 | $2,983 | $688 | $17 |
For a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,100 - a projected growth of 82% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Health Care Specialists of America
Wilmington, NC
Health Care Specialists of America | Wilmington, NC
Job Description. Job Description. THE OPPORTUNITY: Dental Hygienist. THE LOCATION: Wilmington, North Carolina. Ready for a change. We have a full time oppo... more
4 Days Ago
Kintegra Health
Hickory, NC
Kintegra Health | Hickory, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Title. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). Department. Dental. Status. Hourly. Location. Assigned Locations. Reports To. D... more
4 Days Ago
DCS Clinical
Shallotte, NC
DCS Clinical | Shallotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Registered Dental Hygienist. Location. Shallotte, NC. Position Type. Part-Time - Fridays only. Schedule. Friday: 8:00am –... more
4 Days Ago
Wendell Family Dentistry
Wendell, NC
Wendell Family Dentistry | Wendell, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. At Wendell Family Dentistry, we believe exceptional dentistry starts with exceptional people. We are seeking... more
5 Days Ago
Palmieri Dentistry
Mooresville, NC
Palmieri Dentistry | Mooresville, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time. Schedule: M-F alternating W and F off. 32/34 hrs per week. At Palmieri Dentistry, we're ... more
5 Days Ago
Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry
Charlotte, NC
Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry | Charlotte (University), NC. Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry is seeking a. F... more
5 Days Ago
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