Burlington vs Charlotte: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Burlington, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,012 | $103,250▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.04 | $49.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,057 | $96,671▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,714 | $101,456▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,123▲ | $106,483 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,878 | $108,886▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 1,910▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Charlotte is $1,238 (1.21%). Charlotte's median is +0.30% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $23,821,Charlotte spans $12,215. Burlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($109,460 effective) pays 3.20% more than Charlotte ($106,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,460)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,250/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,886)
- ✓Larger job market (1,910 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Burlington grew 23.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$78,620 (2020) → $97,210 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$74,090 (2020) → $98,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov