Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Wilson, NC: $46.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Wilson, NC runs $46.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Wilson's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,887 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilson, North Carolina, the projected median hourly rate for a dental hygienist stands at $46.38, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.49. This figure offers insight into the earning potential for professionals in this field. For part-time hygienists working three days a week in settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms, this hourly wage can translate to approximately $1,864 monthly or around $22,368 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible schedules. Entry-level positions may start at around $37.68 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $57.84 per hour in various types of practices, including dental service organizations and public health clinics. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, highlighting how local pay reflects the broader market.
About the Wilson 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) | $37.68 | $301.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.64 | $325.15 |
| Median (P50) | $46.38 | $371.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.87 | $414.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.84 | $462.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilson
Based on $46.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.38/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilson, NC can expect to earn approximately $96,478 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,660. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,855.34 | $8,040 | $96,478 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,113.20 | $4,824 | $57,887 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $742.14 | $3,216 | $38,591 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Wilson) | $46.38 |
| 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 Wilson, NC earn a median of $96,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.29% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $100,599.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.38/hr = $57,887/year (purchasing power: $61,845).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,478/year (purchasing power: $103,074).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.38/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Wilson (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wilson grew 33.7% from $33.06/hr (2020) to $44.20/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.67/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 Wilson 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 Wilson
The potential earnings for dental hygienists in Wilson also depend on whether they choose to work part-time or pursue per-diem opportunities. A hygienist working a 24-hour week at the median rate can expect to realize a substantial income, but this is still significantly less than what full-time professionals earn annually. Per diem dental hygienists in Wilson can expect rates between $40 and $60 per hour based on market demand, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. The pay structure can vary widely depending on the type of employer; solo practices may offer lower rates compared to larger DSOs that might include benefits at a lower hourly pay. Those who prioritize health insurance might accept a decrease in their hourly rate. For hygienists negotiating hourly pay, understanding local market conditions and aligning expectations with the specifics of their role will be essential in securing the best possible rate.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Wilson in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Wilson?
Are dental hygienists in Wilson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Wilson?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Wilson?
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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 Wilson. 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 Wilson 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