Healthcare Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Dental Hygienist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median dental hygienist salary in Raleigh, NC is $79,772 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$79,772
vs State Avg
+$4,884
vs National
$-1,628
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median dental hygienist salary of $79,772, which is $4,884 above the North Carolina state average of $74,888. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $57,036 at the 10th percentile to $106,036 at the 90th percentile — a $49,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,900, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,900. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $53,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,900
$-1,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,900
$-2,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $57,036
25th Percentile $66,248
Median (50th) $79,772
75th Percentile $96,040
90th Percentile $106,036

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$79,772
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$77,330
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$71,632
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$70,004
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Raleigh

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Raleigh 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Raleigh, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $79,772 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $57,036 (10th percentile) to $106,036 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,772, a dental hygienist in Raleigh earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Raleigh's median dental hygienist salary of $79,772 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $74,888. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $79,772 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Raleigh? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Raleigh 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.