Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $30.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in South Portland, ME runs $30.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,893 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, ME, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach an attractive median of $30.24 in 2026, which represents a substantial increase compared to the national hourly median of $23.84. This elevated hourly wage not only reflects the growing demand for dental assistants but also suggests that part-time and per-diem workers can benefit significantly in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and even oral surgery suites. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, earnings can vary widely, with entry-level dental assistants earning around $25.09 while those at the high end of the scale can make up to $38.51 per hour. This hourly rate system, derived from annual estimates, provides a comprehensive picture of the earning potential for dental assistants in South Portland, supporting both full-time staff and flexible workforce options.
About the South Portland 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) | $25.09 | $200.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.26 | $226.08 |
| Median (P50) | $30.24 | $241.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.44 | $291.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.51 | $308.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $30.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.24/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $62,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,289. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,209.63 | $5,242 | $62,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.78 | $3,145 | $37,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.85 | $2,097 | $25,160 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (South Portland) | $30.24 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $62,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.85% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 27.40% above the Maine state average of $49,366.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.24/hr = $37,740/year (purchasing power: $37,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,901/year (purchasing power: $63,153).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in South Portland grew 19.9% from $24.45/hr (2019) to $29.32/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.19/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 South 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 South Portland
Looking closer at part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $37,312 annually, which can be appealing for those balancing other commitments. For per-diem dental assistants, pay tends to range from $22 to $35 per hour for general work, increasing to $28 to $45 per hour for specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics. Agencies that connect dental assistants with temporary shifts, such as Cloud Dentistry or GoTu, often provide opportunities to maximize earnings without the commitment of a full-time position. Different employer types in South Portland impact hourly pay as well; for instance, dental assistants in solo practices may earn less than those employed by large dental support organizations like Heartland or Pacific Dental, which often offer higher wages along with benefits. It's essential for dental assistants to negotiate for their worth, considering their training and the value they bring, especially in a market where DSO consolidation is standard.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in South Portland?
Are dental assistants in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
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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 South 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
Salary data for South Portland 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