Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Matthews, NC: $47.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Matthews, NC runs $47.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,481 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Matthews's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,694 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Matthews, North Carolina, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $47.83, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This figure reflects the growing demand for dental hygienists within various environments, such as general dentistry operatories, specialty suites, pediatric offices, and public health clinics. For part-time or per-diem workers, this rate translates to a significant opportunity to earn while enjoying the flexibility that comes with working three days a week, potentially balancing personal commitments or other professional aspirations. The estimated hourly range for dental hygienists in Matthews varies considerably, starting from $37.15 for entry-level positions up to $57.98 for experienced professionals. As hourly wages are projected based on annual salary data, potential earnings can vary depending on experience and the specific practice setting in which a hygienist is employed.
About the Matthews 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) | $37.15 | $297.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.79 | $326.32 |
| Median (P50) | $47.83 | $382.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.31 | $410.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.98 | $463.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Matthews
Based on $47.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.83/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Matthews, NC can expect to earn approximately $99,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,398. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Matthews.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Matthews
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,913.27 | $8,291 | $99,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,147.96 | $4,974 | $59,694 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $765.31 | $3,316 | $39,796 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Matthews) | $47.83 |
| 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 Matthews, NC earn a median of $99,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.37% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $100,587.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.83/hr = $59,694/year (purchasing power: $63,776).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,490/year (purchasing power: $106,293).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.83/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Matthews (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Matthews grew 33.7% from $34.09/hr (2020) to $45.58/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.19/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 Matthews 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 Matthews
Hourly rates in Matthews can significantly impact a dental hygienist’s decision regarding part-time versus full-time work. For those choosing to work just three days a week, the income can still offer a comfortable standard of living while allowing for personal time or advanced professional development. Per diem arrangements can be lucrative, especially for seasoned dental hygienists, with pay ranging from $40 to $60 per hour depending on the employer and location. Practices with higher operating costs, such as multi-doctor group practices and DSOs, often provide competitive rates, yet some hygienists might opt for smaller, community-based practices that offer benefits despite lower hourly pay. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as candidates negotiate their employment terms. Practicing effective negotiation techniques, such as exploring benefits and potential for growth within an organization, can help ensure that hygienists in Matthews secure compensation that reflects their skills and enhances job satisfaction.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Matthews. 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 Matthews 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