Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in High Point, NC: $41.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in High Point, NC runs $41.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,051 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against High Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, North Carolina, dental hygienists can anticipate a median hourly pay of $41.85, which positions the city significantly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This difference can affect the decision-making process of both part-time and per-diem dental hygienists operating in various settings, including general practices, specialty clinics, and public health initiatives. Those who work part-time, for instance, could take home approximately $40,000 annually with a schedule of three days a week, while per-diem workers in High Point might find opportunities ranging between $32.10 and $56.24 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific dental environment. The local pay scale reflects estimates drawn from the broader annual salary data, signalling that even entry-level positions can offer a solid starting point for those entering the field.
About the High Point 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) | $32.10 | $256.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.59 | $284.68 |
| Median (P50) | $41.85 | $334.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.75 | $381.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.24 | $449.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in High Point
Based on $41.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.85/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in High Point, NC can expect to earn approximately $87,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,220. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in High Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in High Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.00 | $7,254 | $87,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.40 | $4,352 | $52,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.60 | $2,902 | $34,819 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (High Point) | $41.85 |
| 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 High Point, NC earn a median of $87,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.44% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 13.50% below the North Carolina state average of $100,637.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.85/hr = $52,229/year (purchasing power: $55,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,048/year (purchasing power: $93,000).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.85/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+28.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in High Point (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in High Point grew 16.3% from $34.30/hr (2020) to $39.88/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.92/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 High Point 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 High Point
When evaluating dental hygienist hourly pay in High Point, it's essential to look at the variations across different types of employers. Many hygienists choose to work in private practices, while others may opt for positions within multi-doctor group practices or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). Each type impacts earning potential differently. Temp agencies often pay per diem dental hygienists between $40-60/hr, offering flexibility in exchange for income variability, but full-time employees may prefer the stability that comes with benefits, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. Negotiating terms effectively is key, particularly when discussing positions at specialty offices or public health clinics, which may offer different compensation packages. Understanding local market dynamics, including the impact of DSO consolidation and job security, can equip dental hygienists with practical negotiation tactics that align their career aspirations with attainable pay.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in High Point in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in High Point?
Are dental hygienists in High Point paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in High Point?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in High Point?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 High Point. 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 High Point 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