Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $50.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $50.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,575 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winston-Salem, NC, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $50.14, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $49.49. This competitive rate reflects not only the region's demand for skilled dental hygienists but also may attract part-time professionals or those working in per-diem capacities. For instance, those employed three days a week, approximately 24 hours, could earn around $1,204 weekly, translating to a substantial annual income in a part-time role. The hourly wage for dental hygienists in Winston-Salem varies across the workforce, with entry-level positions earning about $35.19 and top earners reaching $66.36. This wide range highlights the potential for growth within the profession while noting that these numbers are derived from annual salary estimations.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($90,933) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.19 | $281.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.35 | $322.80 |
| Median (P50) | $50.14 | $401.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.29 | $450.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.36 | $530.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $50.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.14/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $104,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,168. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,005.61 | $8,691 | $104,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,203.37 | $5,215 | $62,575 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $802.25 | $3,476 | $41,717 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Winston-Salem) | $50.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $104,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $100,675.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.14/hr = $62,575/year (purchasing power: $66,854).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,292/year (purchasing power: $111,423).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$35.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.14/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Winston-Salem (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Winston-Salem grew 33.7% from $35.74/hr (2020) to $47.78/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Winston-Salem
For those considering part-time work as dental hygienists, the financial outcome of a 3-day workweek can significantly differ from full-time positions. A typical annual income based on a reduced schedule reflects both the lifestyle flexibility and reduced earning potential compared to full-time hygienists. Per diem opportunities typically pay between $40-$60 per hour, but travel contracts are less common for dental hygienists than for nurses, limiting high-income options in that realm. Moreover, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer—whether a solo dental practice, a multi-doctor group, or a corporate Dental Service Organization in Winston-Salem. Many professionals face a choice in accepting lower pay with benefits like health insurance or pursuing higher hourly rates without these benefits. When negotiating salaries, it’s essential for dental hygienists in the area to research the prevailing rates within different employment settings and leverage this information to secure appropriate compensation.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Winston-Salem?
Are dental hygienists in Winston-Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Winston-Salem?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Winston-Salem?
Related Pages
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Winston-Salem. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winston-Salem is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov