Auburn vs Portland: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,444 | $63,163▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.58 | $30.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,454 | $50,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,081▲ | $55,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,630▲ | $63,452 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,094▲ | $64,628 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $3,719 (6.26%). Portland's median is +27.40% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $23,640,Portland spans $13,924. Auburn 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, Portland ($62,011 effective) pays 3.90% more than Auburn ($59,683 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,094)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,163/year)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,011)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Auburn grew 33.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$43,055 (2024) → $57,634 (2025)
Portland, ME
$45,760 (2019) → $61,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Auburn vs Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov