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Dentist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Winston-Salem β€” Key Numbers

$154,449
Median Salary
$101,614
25th Percentile
$210,346
75th Percentile
$264,000
90th Percentile
National median (Dentist)$175,510
vs. National median-12.0%
Winston-Salem median household income$52,600
vs. City household income+193.6%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio7.4%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary1.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Winston-Salem

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Winston-Salem is $154,449 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $101,614 (25th percentile) to $210,346 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $264,000.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a Dentist?

On a $154,449 annual salary, a Dentist in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 7.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 1.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Dentist's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $154,449 earns 193.6% more than the typical Winston-Salem household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.