Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Biddeford, ME: $22.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Biddeford, ME runs $22.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Biddeford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected dental assistant hourly pay in Biddeford, Maine is $22.46, which falls slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $704.88 per week, making it feasible for those seeking supplemental income or balancing other commitments. The hourly salary range in Biddeford spans from $17.84 at the entry-level to $26.84 for top earners. This range reflects the diversity of settings where dental assistants operate, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery suites, enabling a range of work experiences that can impact pay rates. These estimates leverage annual salary data but emphasize that hourly wages can vary significantly based on skills, experience, and the specific dental practice type.
About the Biddeford 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) | $17.84 | $142.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.74 | $165.93 |
| Median (P50) | $22.46 | $179.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.10 | $208.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.84 | $214.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Biddeford
Based on $22.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.46/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Biddeford, ME can expect to earn approximately $46,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,957. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Biddeford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Biddeford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.56 | $3,894 | $46,725 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.13 | $2,336 | $28,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.42 | $1,557 | $18,690 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Biddeford) | $22.46 |
| 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 Biddeford, ME earn a median of $46,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% below the Maine state average of $49,388.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.46/hr = $28,035/year (purchasing power: $28,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,725/year (purchasing power: $46,913).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Biddeford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Biddeford grew 19.9% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $21.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.17/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 Biddeford 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 Biddeford
For those considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working just 24 hours a week could expect a yearly income of around $36,684, contrasting sharply with full-time positions that yield about $46,721. Entering the per-diem market, opportunities for billable hours can vary widely, with per diem dental assistant pay in Biddeford generally ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates between $28 and $45. The employment landscape in Biddeford consists of general practices, pediatric and specialty offices, and dental school clinics, all of which exhibit varying hourly compensation levels. While some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates to secure benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the flexibility and potentially higher pay of agency or temp shifts. It's advisable for dental assistants to negotiate based on their qualifications, factoring in their EFDA credentials or DANB certification when discussing pay with prospective employers, especially in a competitive market shaped by DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Biddeford in 2026?
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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 Biddeford. 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 Biddeford 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