Dental Assistant Salary in Augusta, ME: $46,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Augusta, ME earns a median $46,566/year (≈ $22.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $46,753 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, ME, dental assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,566 in 2026, reflecting the impact of expanded function rules that are unique to the state. This salary indicates a range from $39,230 at the lower end (P10) to $58,130 for those at the top of the pay scale (P90). Such compensation figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences. Though Augusta's dental assistant pay may fall slightly below the national median of $49,579, the local market still offers competitive salaries, particularly for those who possess specialized skills or certification.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,230 | $18.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,645 | $21.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,566 | $22.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,652 | $26.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,130 | $27.95 |
Median Salary Position
6.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, ME, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,900 (2026 est.). At $46,566, the local median is 6.08% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Augusta median: $46,566/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $49,380 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -6.08% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $46,566 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,753 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,644
2025 BLS Actual
$45,148
2026 Current Est.
$46,566
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,644 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,203 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,028 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,644 (2019) to $45,148 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,028 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,384 (27.58%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,230 – $44,645 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,645 – $46,566 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,566 – $55,652 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,652 – $58,130 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Augusta
Despite having only four dental assistants currently employed in the Augusta area, the market displays signs of a stable job environment aided by a cost-of-living index of 99.6, which is just below the national average. This factor contributes to the purchasing power of dental assistants, allowing for a reasonable quality of life within the region. Employers that are likely to provide higher pay include specialty offices such as oral surgery and orthodontics, where advanced skills command higher wages. Additional factors influencing the pay scale include the presence of associates working in hybrid roles, such as treatment coordinators, and the inclusion of stipends for lead or mentor dental assistants in group practices or DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen. Maximizing earning potential in Augusta requires pursuing additional certifications, such as obtaining an EFDA credential, and strategically seeking opportunities within specialized fields where pay tends to be more lucrative.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $45,148 for dental assistantsin the Augusta metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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