Orthodontist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Orthodontists in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$224,990
per year
Hourly Rate
$108.17
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-22% vs US median
US median $289,140
State Rank
#15 of 19
160 employed here

How much does an Orthodontist make in North Carolina?

An Orthodontist working in North Carolina earns a median salary of $224,990 per year, or about $108.17 per hour. That is 22% below the national median of $289,140 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $182,170 while the top 10% make $398,000 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $199,990 and $362,340 a year.

Orthodontist salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$182,170$87.58
25th percentile (early career)$199,990$96.15
50th percentile (median)$224,990$108.17
75th percentile (experienced)$362,340$174.20
90th percentile (top earners)$398,000$191.35

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 15th out of 19 states and territories for Orthodontist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Connecticut$478,680
2Colorado$416,000
3Maryland$361,030
4Michigan$357,090
5Illinois$343,100

Working as an Orthodontist in North Carolina

Nationally, about 6,000 people work as Orthodontists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($224,990) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Orthodontist make in North Carolina?
The median Orthodontist salary in North Carolina is $224,990 per year, or about $108.17 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $182,170 at the entry level to $398,000 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Orthodontists about 22% less than the national median of $289,140. North Carolina ranks 15th out of 19 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Orthodontists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $224,990 a year. About 160 Orthodontists are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Orthodontist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.