Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $30.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Portland, ME runs $30.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,163 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,895 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, ME, dental assistant hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $30.36. This figure significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $23.84, making the Portland area an attractive option for those entering the field or seasoned professionals. For those working part-time, such as in general dentistry or orthodontic settings, this translates to an impressive income, especially for those filling positions in dental operatories or specialty care rooms. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn approximately $24.37 per hour, while highly experienced individuals may reach up to $31.08, underlining the diverse earning potential in the area.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.37 | $194.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.87 | $214.94 |
| Median (P50) | $30.36 | $242.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.51 | $244.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.08 | $248.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $30.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.36/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $63,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,437. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,214.58 | $5,263 | $63,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.75 | $3,158 | $37,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.83 | $2,105 | $25,263 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Portland) | $30.36 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $63,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.40% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 27.90% above the Maine state average of $49,385.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.36/hr = $37,895/year (purchasing power: $37,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,158/year (purchasing power: $62,006).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Portland grew 33.8% from $22.00/hr (2019) to $29.44/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.32/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 Portland 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 Portland
For dental assistants working part-time, their annual earnings for a standard 3-day workweek can be quite appealing. However, those considering temporary or per diem roles will find varying pay scales. Per diem dental assistant pay in Portland typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning $28 to $45 per hour. Different types of employers, such as general dental practices versus specialty clinics, can also offer distinctly varying hourly rates. Moreover, negotiating a higher pay rate may come at the cost of benefits—many dental assistants choose positions that offer health insurance despite the lower hourly rate. Understanding these factors is crucial for any dental assistant in Portland looking to maximize their earning potential while considering their long-term professional goals, especially as dental service organization (DSO) growth continues to influence job availability and pay scales in the region.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Portland?
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How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Portland?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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