Dental Hygienist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $70,004 (2026)

Dental Hygienist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median dental hygienist salary of $70,004, which is $4,884 below the North Carolina state average of $74,888. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $70,004 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Winston-Salem spans from $50,052 at the 10th percentile to $93,052 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,300, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $47,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,300

$-7,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$90,300

$-14,700 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$50,052	$53,544	$58,200
25th Percentile	$58,136	$62,192	$67,600
Median (50th)	$70,004	$74,888	$81,400
75th Percentile	$84,280	$90,160	$98,000
90th Percentile	$93,052	$99,544	$108,200

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$50,052

25th Percentile

$58,136

Median (50th)

$70,004

75th Percentile

$84,280

90th Percentile

$93,052

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median dental hygienist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $70,004 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $50,052 (10th percentile) to $93,052 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $70,004, a dental hygienist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median dental hygienist salary of $70,004 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $74,888. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a dental hygienist salary of $70,004 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most dental hygienist positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina