Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,681▲ | $99,221 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.85▲ | $47.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,642 | $79,412▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,505▲ | $84,368 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,130 | $111,257▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,953 | $129,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $4,460 (4.50%). Raleigh's median is +0.71% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $32,311,Wake Forest spans $49,912. Wake Forest has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wake Forest ($106,005 effective) pays 0.36% more than Raleigh ($105,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,681/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,324)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,005)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Raleigh grew 32.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$74,730 (2020) → $98,800 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$70,724 (2020) → $94,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Raleigh or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wake Forest as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Raleigh vs 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
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