Dental Hygienist Salary in North Carolina
Dental Hygienists in North Carolina earn an average of $90,194 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.9% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$90,194
per year
Hourly Rate
$43.36
per hour
vs National
-0.9%
$91,010 national
Salary Range
$58,643
to $130,410
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$90,194
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$93,952
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Dental Hygienist's salary of $90,194 has the purchasing power of $93,952 in an average-cost area.
Dental Hygienist Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $93,531 | $44.97/hr | $60,608 | $138,553 | 169 |
| Charlotte, NC | $86,856 | $41.76/hr | $56,677 | $122,266 | 185 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Dental Hygienist Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 354 Dental Hygienists employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Dental Hygienist Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$58,643
Starting salary for new Dental Hygienists
Median (50th Percentile)
$90,194
Mid-career Dental Hygienist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$130,410
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Pharmacist
$132,476
avg in NC
+$42,282 vs Dental Hygienist
Nurse Practitioner
$127,220
avg in NC
+$37,026 vs Dental Hygienist
Registered Nurse
$91,454
avg in NC
+$1,260 vs Dental Hygienist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$60,392
avg in NC
-$29,802 vs Dental Hygienist
Nursing Assistant
$38,744
avg in NC
-$51,450 vs Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Hygienist salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina?
The average Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina is $90,194 per year ($43.36/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.9% below the national average of $91,010.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Hygienists in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Dental Hygienists in North Carolina, with a median salary of $93,531 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $86,856.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in North Carolina?
Dental Hygienist salaries in North Carolina range from $58,643 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $130,410 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $90,194 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.