Average Dental Hygienists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, earn an average annual salary of $88,630. This figure is slightly below the national average of $94,050, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Charleston metropolitan area. While not reaching the national benchmark, the local salary reflects the importance of dental care professionals in this vibrant South Carolina region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,000.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a robust workforce of 590 Dental Hygienists, with a location quotient of 1.07 indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled dental hygienists, as the local job market is at least as robust as the national trend.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-5.8%below the national average.
$42.6
$1,704
$7,386
Dental Hygienists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in dental technology, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for professionals in this field.
Dental Hygienists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The salary progression for Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. This difference signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as one progresses in their career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $77,420 | $37.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $66,473 | $32 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $91,310 | $43.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $110,788 | $53.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $96,000 | $46.2 |
Detailed Dental Hygienists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $88,630 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Hygienist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
1.522
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Hygienists roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.07, Charleston-North Charleston exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Dental Hygienists than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where demand is present and potentially slightly outpacing the national average, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Dental Hygienists Salary | $82,110↓ 7% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Dental Hygienists Salary | $76,270↓ 14% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Dental Hygienists Salary | $74,410↓ 16% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Dental Hygienists Salary | $78,280↓ 12% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $75,970↓ 14% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Dental Hygienistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $88,630. This typically ranges from $77,420 for entry-level positions to $96,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 5.8% lower than the national median of $94,050.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Dental Hygienists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.While the average salary of $88,630 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially stable location for Dental Hygienists.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Dental Hygienists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($82,110) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston is $88,630, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,050.
What is the concentration of Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston?
The location quotient for Dental Hygienists in Charleston-North Charleston is 1.07, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Dental Hygienist salary in Charleston-North Charleston?
The cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston is at the national average (100), meaning the $88,630 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Dental Hygienists in the Charleston-North Charleston area?
There are approximately 590 Dental Hygienists employed in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.522 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Hygienists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Production Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Hygienists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC