Average Dental Assistants Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem, NC is $48,470, which is slightly below the national average of $48,760. This minor difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand for dental services and the overall cost of doing business within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,720.
- Outlook: Winston-Salem supports a local workforce of 460 Dental Assistants, with a location quotient of 0.7, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not exceptionally high, this workforce size suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for dental professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem, NC earns-0.6%below the national average.
$23.3
$932
$4,039
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem is not provided, it's generally observed that salaries for Dental Assistants nationwide have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing demand for dental care and advancements in dental technology. This trend is likely reflected in Winston-Salem, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, which naturally commands higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay often signifies the acquisition of specialized skills, increased responsibilities, and a proven track record within dental practices.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,660 | $17.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $36,353 | $17.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $47,440 | $22.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $60,588 | $29.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,720 | $27.8 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Winston-Salem is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $48,470 for Dental Assistants holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
1.697
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.70x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The location quotient of 0.7 for Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This could imply a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities may be available but perhaps not as abundant as in areas with a higher concentration of dental professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Dental Assistants Salary | $50,460↑ 4% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,860↓ 3% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $44,350↓ 9% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $46,300↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Dental Assistants Salary | $46,460↓ 4% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem, NC is $48,470. This typically ranges from $36,660 for entry-level positions to $57,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 0.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning there's no significant financial advantage.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,460) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Dental Assistant in Winston-Salem, NC?
The average annual salary for a Dental Assistant in Winston-Salem, NC is $48,470.
How does Winston-Salem's cost of living compare to the national average?
Winston-Salem's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating a neutral cost of living.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Winston-Salem?
The job market for Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem has a location quotient of 0.7, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total workforce of Dental Assistants in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 460 Dental Assistants employed in Winston-Salem, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 1.697 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC