Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Goldsboro, NC: $42.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Goldsboro, NC runs $42.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Goldsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,478 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Goldsboro, North Carolina, dental hygienist hourly pay is projected at $42.05 for 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This rate can impact part-time positions, where a hygienist working three days a week might expect to earn around $3,250 monthly before taxes. These professionals typically find themselves in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and public health clinics. Entry-level dental hygienists in Goldsboro might earn as little as $38.63 hourly, while those at the top of the salary range can make up to $48.43 per hour. This official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a vivid picture of the earnings landscape for dental hygienists in the Goldsboro area.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.63 | $309.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.60 | $316.83 |
| Median (P50) | $42.05 | $336.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.78 | $374.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.43 | $387.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goldsboro
Based on $42.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.05/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goldsboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $87,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,459. With a cost-of-living index of 88.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goldsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goldsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,681.98 | $7,289 | $87,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,009.19 | $4,373 | $52,478 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.79 | $2,915 | $34,985 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Goldsboro) | $42.05 |
| 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 Goldsboro, NC earn a median of $87,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.04% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 13.10% below the North Carolina state average of $100,653.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.05/hr = $52,478/year (purchasing power: $59,322).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,463/year (purchasing power: $98,871).
CoL index: 88.462 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$33.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.05/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Goldsboro (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Goldsboro grew 20.1% from $33.36/hr (2020) to $40.07/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.13/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 Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro
Considering part-time opportunities, dental hygienists working 24 hours a week may take home an annual salary significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Many hygienists opt for per diem or agency work, where pay can range from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on demand and location. Though travel contracts for hygienists are not as common as for nurses, some professionals may still find opportunities that offer higher wages. The hourly rate can vary significantly based on the employer—solo practices may offer different remuneration compared to Dental Service Organizations like Heartland Dental or Aspen. Some dental hygienists accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize maximum pay without benefits. Negotiation skills become vital, particularly in a city like Goldsboro where knowledge of local salary standards and employer expectations can help secure a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Goldsboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Goldsboro in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Goldsboro?
Are dental hygienists in Goldsboro paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Goldsboro?
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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 Goldsboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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