Wilmington vs Winston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Wilmington, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wilmington, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,477▲ | $100,669 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.79▲ | $48.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,718 | $86,145▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,016 | $97,930▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,895▲ | $103,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,106▲ | $105,507 |
| Total Employed | 440 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston.
The salary gap between Wilmington and Winston is $808 (0.80%). Wilmington's median is -1.43% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Wilmington spans $24,388,Winston spans $19,362. Wilmington 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 3.92% more than Wilmington ($105,243 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,477/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,106)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓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 Wilmington grew 32.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Winston over the same period.
Wilmington, NC
$72,990 (2020) → $96,700 (2025)
Winston, NC
$68,510 (2020) → $95,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Wilmington or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wilmington and Winston?
Should I relocate from Wilmington to Winston as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Wilmington 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