Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $47.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $47.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,221 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in Wake Forest, North Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.71 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $49.49 per hour. This figure offers a strong incentive for those considering part-time or per-diem roles in various settings, from general dentistry operatories to specialty clinics and public health mobile units. The hourly wages range from approximately $38.18 for entry-level positions to about $62.18 for more experienced hygienists, reflecting the diverse career pathways available in this profession. Understanding these pay scales is crucial for anyone working as a dental hygienist or aspiring to join the field, as they indicate potential earnings based on experience and practice type.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $38.18 | $305.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.56 | $324.47 |
| Median (P50) | $47.71 | $381.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.49 | $427.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.18 | $497.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $47.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.71/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $99,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,247. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,908.23 | $8,269 | $99,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,144.94 | $4,961 | $59,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $763.29 | $3,308 | $39,691 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wake Forest) | $47.71 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $99,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.62% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $100,630.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.71/hr = $59,537/year (purchasing power: $63,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,228/year (purchasing power: $106,013).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.71/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wake Forest (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wake Forest grew 33.7% from $34.00/hr (2020) to $45.46/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.06/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Examining part-time earnings reveals that a dental hygienist working three days a week for about 24 hours can generate substantial income, particularly when considering how many hygienists prefer flexible schedules. Full-time hygienists often earn more, but those who work per diem roles can command higher hourly rates, typically between $40 and $60 through temp agencies in metropolitan areas. Positions within Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) may offer unique compensation structures, sometimes pairing lower hourly rates with benefits such as healthcare coverage, while independent practices might allow for higher hourly wages but lack additional perks. Understanding the nuances of hourly pay is essential for hygienists in Wake Forest, as negotiation tactics can significantly influence one’s earning potential, particularly when deciding between immediate pay and long-term benefits.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wake Forest?
Are dental hygienists in Wake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Wake Forest?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Wake Forest?
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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