Average Dental Hygienists Salary in Wilmington, NC
Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC, can expect an average annual salary of $88,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $94,050, indicating localized market dynamics that influence compensation. Factors such as the specific healthcare needs of the region and the supply of qualified professionals contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,230.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, hosts a robust workforce of 480 Dental Hygienists, significantly exceeding the national concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.8. This high quotient suggests a strong demand and a well-established presence of this profession within the local economy, pointing towards a stable job market for skilled hygienists.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC earns-6.2%below the national average.
$42.4
$1,697
$7,353
Dental Hygienists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing healthcare demands, advancements in dental technology, and a growing emphasis on preventative oral care.
Dental Hygienists Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The career path for Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC, offers significant earning potential through experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The progression from junior to senior roles is clearly reflected in the widening salary percentiles, signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $79,710 | $38.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $66,173 | $31.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $91,320 | $43.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $110,288 | $53 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $100,230 | $48.2 |
Detailed Dental Hygienists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $88,230 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Dental Hygienists relocating to Wilmington, NC, will find their nominal income aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary in Wilmington is comparable to the national average, offering financial stability without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
2.551
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.8x the national concentration of Dental Hygienists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Dental Hygienists, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.8. This indicates that the profession is nearly twice as prevalent in Wilmington compared to the national average. Such a strong concentration suggests a competitive environment, but also a healthy demand for skilled professionals within the local dental community.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $78,300↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Dental Hygienists Salary | $74,410↓ 16% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $79,240↓ 10% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $80,840↓ 8% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Dental Hygienists Salary | $81,190↓ 8% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Dental Hygienistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienists make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC is $88,230. This typically ranges from $79,710 for entry-level positions to $100,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 6.2% lower than the national median of $94,050.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Dental Hygienists?
Yes, with a strong caveat.While the average salary of $88,230 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making the effective income comparable. Furthermore, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.8) suggests robust local demand.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Dental Hygienists?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($78,300) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Dental Hygienist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC, is $88,230, which is approximately 6% lower than the national average of $94,050.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC for Dental Hygienists?
Wilmington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Dental Hygienist job market in Wilmington, NC?
The job market for Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC, is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.8. This signifies that the profession is significantly more prevalent in Wilmington than the national average.
What does the high Location Quotient mean for Dental Hygienists in Wilmington, NC?
A Location Quotient of 1.8 suggests a strong local demand and a well-established presence of Dental Hygienists. This could translate to more job opportunities and potentially competitive hiring conditions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.551 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Hygienists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wilmington, NC