Average Dental Hygienists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Dental Hygienists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $91,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $94,050, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Research Triangle area. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the skilled nature of the profession and the cost of living in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,240.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 420 Dental Hygienists. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated job market. The rate of 1.232 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent presence and demand for these essential dental care providers within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-2.5%below the national average.
$44.1
$1,764
$7,645
Dental Hygienists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this locality isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, inflation, and advancements in dental technology typically drive upward salary adjustments for skilled professionals in this field.
Dental Hygienists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or in supervisory roles can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $79,480 | $38.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $68,805 | $33.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,120 | $47.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $114,675 | $55.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $100,240 | $48.2 |
Detailed Dental Hygienists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,740 in Durham-Chapel Hill 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. Consequently, the nominal salary translates directly to a comparable standard of living without significant financial adjustments needed for relocation.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
1.232
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.87x the national average concentration of Dental Hygienists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 for Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly competitive, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $91,790↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $85,330↓ 7% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $76,750↓ 16% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $84,610↓ 8% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $84,520↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Dental Hygienistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $91,740. This typically ranges from $79,480 for entry-level positions to $100,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 2.5% lower than the national median of $94,050.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Dental Hygienists?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill earn $91,740 annually, which is very close to the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially stable location.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Dental Hygienists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($91,790) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Durham-Chapel Hill salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Dental Hygienists in Durham-Chapel Hill is $91,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,050.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill for Dental Hygienists?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How many Dental Hygienists work in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 420 Dental Hygienists employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill area.
Is the job market for Dental Hygienists strong in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the market is stable, indicating a good balance between job availability and the number of professionals in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.232 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Hygienists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC