Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Augusta, ME: $22.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Augusta, ME runs $22.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,945 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, Maine, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.39 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this rate can translate into a manageable yet competitive income that supports varying lifestyle choices. Per-diem dental assistants, who offer flexibility in roles across various settings—from pediatric dental exam rooms to oral surgery suites—can expect hourly rates within a range from $18.86 to $27.95, depending on their skills and the complexity of the procedures they assist with. Entry-level positions may start at a lower range, while more experienced assistants or those in specialized roles can command higher wages, reflecting the growing demand for certified dental professionals in this region.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.46 | $171.71 |
| Median (P50) | $22.39 | $179.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.75 | $214.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.95 | $223.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $22.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.39/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, ME can expect to earn approximately $46,575 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,870. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $895.67 | $3,881 | $46,575 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.40 | $2,329 | $27,945 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.27 | $1,552 | $18,630 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Augusta) | $22.39 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Augusta, ME earn a median of $46,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $49,380.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.39/hr = $27,945/year (purchasing power: $28,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,575/year (purchasing power: $46,762).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Augusta grew 19.9% from $18.10/hr (2019) to $21.71/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Augusta
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time dental assistants reveals how different schedules dramatically affect income. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week, for example, would take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, potentially seeing income fluctuations based on clinic needs and whether they opt for additional shifts. Per diem dental assistant pay in Augusta typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with those specializing in orthodontics or oral surgery often earning between $28 and $45 per hour, reflecting the higher skill level required for these roles. Hourly rates will also vary depending on employer types; for instance, dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen may have standardized pay scales, while independent practices might offer varied compensation based on local competition. Dental assistants should be strategic in negotiations—balancing higher hourly wages with possible benefits like health insurance is a key consideration. Understanding the pay structure and demands of the local market can help dental assistants maximize their earning potential in Augusta, ME.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Augusta. 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 Augusta 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 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov