Dental Assistant Salary in South Portland, ME: $62,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in South Portland, ME earns a median $62,893/year (≈ $30.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in South Portland's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $63,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 27.4% above the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, ME, dental assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $62,893 in 2026. This figure is notably above the national median of $49,579, marking a substantial 26.85% increase. The salary range for dental assistants in the area stretches from $52,202 at the 10th percentile to $80,110 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as the state's expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) rules significantly contribute to elevating local pay rates. With South Portland's job market currently supporting four dental assistants, these enhanced capabilities can help candidates secure more competitive positions, particularly in higher-paying practices.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,202 | $25.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,790 | $28.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,893 | $30.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,802 | $36.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,110 | $38.51 |
Median Salary Position
26.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland
In South Portland, ME, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,908 (2026 est.). At $62,893, the local median is 26.85% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Portland Dental Assistant Pay Compares
South Portland median: $62,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $49,366 | +27.40% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +26.85% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Portland 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.
South Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $62,893 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,146 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,842
2025 BLS Actual
$60,978
2026 Current Est.
$62,893
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,842 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,041 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,868 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Portland metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $50,842 (2019) to $60,978 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,868 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,026 (27.59%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,202 – $58,790 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,790 – $62,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,893 – $75,802 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,802 – $80,110 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in South Portland
The local job landscape offers unique dynamics for dental assistants, especially considering the cost of living, which stands at a relatively low index of 99.6. This reality means that the purchasing power of dental assistant pay in South Portland is more favorable than it might seem at first glance. Employers such as orthodontic practices and oral surgery centers typically offer higher compensation compared to general dental offices or pediatric specialties, due to the advanced skills required in those settings. In addition, positions that require an EFDA credential can command a substantial pay increase, while those that blend responsibilities, such as treatment coordinators with dental assistant roles, may also see higher remuneration. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in South Portland, pursuing further certifications, specializing in a dental discipline, or seeking employment with dental service organizations (DSOs) where pay scales are standardized can be beneficial strategies.
More salary data for South Portland, 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 $60,978 for dental assistantsin the South Portland 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 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