Wake Forest vs Winston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Wake Forest, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wake Forest, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,221 | $100,669▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.71 | $48.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,412 | $86,145▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,368 | $97,930▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,257▲ | $103,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,324▲ | $105,507 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Wake Forest and Winston is $1,448 (1.46%). Winston's median is -2.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Wake Forest spans $49,912,Winston spans $19,362. Wake Forest 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, Winston ($109,372 effective) pays 3.18% more than Wake Forest ($106,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,324)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,669/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,372)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Wake Forest grew 33.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Winston over the same period.
Wake Forest, NC
$70,724 (2020) → $94,550 (2025)
Winston, NC
$68,510 (2020) → $95,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wake Forest, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Wake Forest or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wake Forest and Winston?
Should I relocate from Wake Forest to Winston as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Wake Forest vs Winston?
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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