Lewiston vs Portland: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Lewiston, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,460 | $63,163▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.59 | $30.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,765 | $50,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,951 | $55,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,317 | $63,452▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,504 | $64,628▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Portland is $3,703 (6.23%). 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 Lewiston spans $14,739,Portland spans $13,924. Lewiston 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, Lewiston ($62,764 effective) pays 1.21% more than Portland ($62,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,764)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,163/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,628)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Lewiston grew 39.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$41,330 (2019) → $57,650 (2025)
Portland, ME
$45,760 (2019) → $61,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Lewiston or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Portland as a dental assistant?
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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