Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Leland, NC: $44.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Leland, NC runs $44.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Leland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,066 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leland, North Carolina, dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $44.92, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This level of compensation displays the local market dynamics and cost of living considerations, making it suitable for various working arrangements including part-time roles—common in private practices or public health clinics where dental hygienists might work three days a week. With an hourly range from $37.64 for entry-level positions up to $54.37 for top earners, hygienists in different settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric specialty offices, or Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) have varied earning potential. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and reflect a competitive wage structure given the growing demand for dental hygienists, which is projected to increase at an annual rate of 4.94% in the coming years.
About the Leland 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) | $37.64 | $301.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.97 | $319.77 |
| Median (P50) | $44.92 | $359.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.38 | $395.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.37 | $434.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leland
Based on $44.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.92/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leland, NC can expect to earn approximately $93,444 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,910. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,796.99 | $7,787 | $93,444 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,078.20 | $4,672 | $56,066 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $718.80 | $3,115 | $37,377 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Leland) | $44.92 |
| 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 Leland, NC earn a median of $93,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $100,594.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.92/hr = $56,066/year (purchasing power: $59,900).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,444/year (purchasing power: $99,833).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.92/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Leland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Leland grew 33.7% from $32.03/hr (2020) to $42.81/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.14/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 Leland 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 Leland
Taking on a part-time position involves a distinct earning trajectory, where a three-day-a-week schedule for a dental hygienist can yield approximately $56,000 annually, whereas full-time roles would naturally allow for higher earnings. For those considering per diem opportunities, Leland dental hygienists may encounter pay rates from $40 to $60 per hour, often influenced by demand and contract arrangements. Most dental hygienists find employment in either small practices or larger group settings, each presenting a different compensation landscape. While some may choose to accept lower hourly pay for job stability and benefits, others prioritize the flexibility and higher hourly rates available in temporary or agency work. For individuals negotiating their hourly pay in Leland, it’s advisable to understand the specific employer type and associated pay scales, as these can significantly impact take-home earnings and work-life balance considerations.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Leland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Leland?
Are dental hygienists in Leland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Leland?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Leland?
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 Leland. 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 Leland 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