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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetic Dental Assistant in North Carolina is $43,442 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cosmetic Dental Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $47,677 | $3,973 | $917 | $23 |
| Average | $43,442 | $3,620 | $835 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,419 | $3,285 | $758 | $19 |
Family Dental Care of Wilmington - Wilmington, NC
Tar Heel Periodontics & Implant Dentistry - Raleigh, NC
JobSquad Staffing Solutions - Wilmington, NC
Peace Haven Smiles - Charlotte, NC
A Cosmetic Dental Assistant'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 Cosmetic Dental Assistant'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 Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $42,239 |
| Intermediate Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $42,677 |
| Senior Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $43,559 |
| Specialist Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $43,736 |
| Expert Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $43,854 |
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 Cosmetic Dental Assistants. 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:
For Cosmetic Dental Assistant 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, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Cosmetic Dental Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Cosmetic Dental Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $52,130 | $25.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cosmetic Dental Assistant'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 | $47,677 | $3,973 | $917 | $23 |
| Average | $43,442 | $3,620 | $835 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,419 | $3,285 | $758 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cosmetic Dental Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
GEOGroup
Winton, NC
GEOGroup | Winton, NC
Dental Assistant. Are you looking for a career you can feel good about. We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll rece... more
5 Days Ago
REO Consulting, LLC
Wilmington, NC
REO Consulting, LLC | Wilmington, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Dental Assistant. Coastal Endodontics | Hampstead, NC (New Location). REO Consulting is the recruitment partner of the hi... more
3 Days Ago
Cabarrus Health Alliance
Kannapolis, NC
Cabarrus Health Alliance | Kannapolis, NC
Job Description. Job Description. We are growing. We have welcomed new dentists to our team, and as a result, we are looking to add Dental Assistants to he... more
2 Days Ago
Campbell DDS & Farrelly DMD PLLC
Holly Springs, NC
Campbell DDS & Farrelly DMD PLLC | Holly Springs, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description – Certified Dental Assistant II. A dental assistant II will be assigned to be the primary assistant for a... more
2 Days Ago
Friendly Dental Group
Charlotte, NC
Friendly Dental Group | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Competitive salary. Dental insurance. Employee discounts. Flexible schedule. Health insurance. Paid tim... more
3 Days Ago
Amity Dentistry
Charlotte, NC
Amity Dentistry | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Amity Dentistry is a growing private dental practice in Pineville, NC, where we value compassionate care, teamwork, and a... more
3 Days Ago
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