Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,681 | $104,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.85 | $50.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,642▲ | $73,195 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,505▲ | $83,929 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,130 | $117,090▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,953 | $138,043▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $618 (0.60%). Winston-Salem's median is +1.31% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $32,311,Winston-Salem spans $64,848. Winston-Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston-Salem ($111,431 effective) pays 5.49% more than Raleigh ($105,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,043)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,431)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Raleigh grew 32.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$74,730 (2020) → $98,800 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$74,344 (2020) → $99,389 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov