Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Dental Hygienist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median dental hygienist salary in Durham, NC is $77,330 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$77,330
vs State Avg
+$2,442
vs National
$-4,070
Cost of Living
95%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median dental hygienist salary of $77,330, which is $2,442 above the North Carolina state average of $74,888. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Durham spans from $55,290 at the 10th percentile to $102,790 at the 90th percentile — a $47,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,250, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $52,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,250
$-2,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
$-5,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $55,290
25th Percentile $64,220
Median (50th) $77,330
75th Percentile $93,100
90th Percentile $102,790

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$79,772
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$79,772
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$71,632
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$70,004
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Durham

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Durham

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Durham

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $77,330 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $55,290 (10th percentile) to $102,790 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,330, a dental hygienist in Durham earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Durham's median dental hygienist salary of $77,330 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $74,888. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $77,330 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Durham? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Durham require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.