Durham vs Raleigh: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,472▲ | $103,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.19▲ | $49.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,565▲ | $78,642 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,289 | $102,505▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,595 | $108,130▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,980 | $110,953▲ |
| Total Employed | 350 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Durham and Raleigh are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $2,791 (2.69%). Durham's median is +3.43% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $22,415,Raleigh spans $32,311. Raleigh 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, Durham ($109,121 effective) pays 3.31% 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 Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,472/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,121)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,953)
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Durham grew 36.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$74,220 (2020) → $101,460 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$74,730 (2020) → $98,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Durham or Raleigh?
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Should I relocate from Durham to Raleigh as a dental hygienist?
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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