Fayetteville vs Raleigh: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fayetteville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,941 | $103,681▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.09 | $49.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,221 | $78,642▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,183 | $102,505▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,533 | $108,130▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,820 | $110,953▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Raleigh is $5,740 (5.86%). Raleigh's median is +0.71% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $34,599,Raleigh spans $32,311. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($106,483 effective) pays 0.81% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,483)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,681/year)
- ✓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 Fayetteville grew 54.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Fayetteville, NC
$60,560 (2020) → $93,330 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$74,730 (2020) → $98,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fayetteville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Raleigh as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fayetteville vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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