📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Dental Hygienist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$74,074
per year
Median
$70,807
per year
Hourly
$35.61
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$50,426
25th Percentile — Junior$60,410
50th Percentile — Median$70,807
75th Percentile — Senior$82,875
90th Percentile — Top Earners$90,024
💡 Top-earning Dental Hygienists in North Carolina make up to $90,024 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$62.4k
2021
$64.6k
2022
$66.8k
2023
$69.1k
2024
$71.6k
2025
$74.1k
2026
📈 Dental Hygienist salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Dental Hygienist Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $71,111 -4.0% High
Raleigh $72,593 -2.0% High
Greensboro $66,667 -10.0% High
Durham $71,852 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $64,444 -13.0% High
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Dental Hygienist Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Dental Hygienists. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $74,074 per year, North Carolina's Dental Hygienist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $50,426–$60,410, while experienced Dental Hygienists can command $82,875–$90,024.

Looking ahead, the Dental Hygienist profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina is $74,074 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $81,400.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Dental Hygienists the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Dental Hygienist employment.
  • At $74,074/year, North Carolina Dental Hygienist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $81,400/year.