Dental Hygienist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 7K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$97,850
$47.04/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
+1.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $104K
7K employed in North Carolina
The median Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina is $97,850 per year, or $47 per hour. This figure sits 1.0% above the national average for the profession. With approximately 6,690 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant segment of the healthcare workforce.
Several factors influence the Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina. Experience levels play a crucial role, with entry-level positions typically falling at the lower end of the salary range, while seasoned professionals can command higher pay. Geographic location within North Carolina, the type of dental practice (e.g., private practice, public health clinic, hospital), and additional certifications can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,270 |
| 25th percentile | $84,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,850 |
| 75th percentile | $100,930 |
| 90th percentile | $103,850 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Hygienists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Hygienists in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | 217K |
| Manufacturing | $96,200 | 40 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | 120 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,850 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,786 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,850 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,786 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,850 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,850 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Dental Hygienist ($97,850 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +307.2% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +246.8% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +196.1% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +129.5% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +120.2% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +120.0% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +111.5% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +87.6% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +72.6% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +65.1% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +41.9% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +37.5% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina?
- The salary range for a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina typically falls between $77,270 and $103,850 annually. This means most professionals in this field earn within this bracket, with the median salary at $97,850.
How does the average Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- The average Dental Hygienist salary in North Carolina is slightly higher than the national average, by approximately 1.0%. This indicates that compensation for this role is competitive within the state.
What is the hourly wage for a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina?
- Based on the median annual salary of $97,850, the estimated hourly wage for a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina is $47. This figure is derived from a standard 40-hour work week.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 6,690 Dental Hygienists employed in North Carolina. This indicates a substantial presence of the profession within the state's healthcare sector.