Orthodontist salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Orthodontists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area earn a median of $199,990 a year ($96.15 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $199,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $361,050 for the top 10%. That is 31% lower than the national median of $289,140. Pay here is 11% lower than the North Carolina statewide median of $224,990. The average (mean) salary is $278,540, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for orthodontists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $199,990 | $96.15 |
| 25th percentile | $199,990 | $96.15 |
| Median | $199,990 | $96.15 |
| 75th percentile | $361,050 | $173.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $361,050 | $173.58 |
| Average (mean) | $278,540 | $133.91 |
Half of orthodontists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $16,665.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $8,332.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $7,691.92 |
| Weekly | $3,845.96 |
| Hourly | $96.15 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for orthodontists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $478,680 |
| Colorado | $416,000 |
| Maryland | $361,030 |
| Michigan | $357,090 |
| Illinois | $343,100 |
| Tennessee | $339,610 |
| Missouri | $332,630 |
| Montana | $312,840 |
| South Carolina | $311,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $311,180 |
See Orthodontist pay in every state or the North Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 | $63.61 |
| Pharmacist | $141,360 | $67.96 |
| Physical Therapist | $100,240 | $48.19 |
| Physician Assistant | $132,670 | $63.79 |
| Occupational Therapist | $83,160 | $39.98 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,460 | $40.13 |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,460 | $48.78 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $74,630 | $35.88 |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | $123,280 | $59.27 |
| Veterinarian | $132,500 | $63.70 |
| Dentists, General | $208,490 | $100.24 |
| Acupuncturist | $89,990 | $43.26 |
| Audiologist | $92,470 | $44.46 |
| Recreational Therapist | $53,100 | $25.53 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1023. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a orthodontist make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median salary for orthodontists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area is $199,990 a year, or $96.15 an hour. Pay ranges from $199,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $361,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid orthodontists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The top 10% of orthodontists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area earn at least $361,050 a year. The top 25% earn $361,050 or more.
What is the starting pay for orthodontists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $199,990 a year, and a quarter of orthodontists earn $199,990 or less.