Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $49.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in South Portland, ME runs $49.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,999 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental hygienists in South Portland, ME, earn a median hourly rate of $49.68, which is slightly above the national median of $49.49. This competitive pay level can be quite appealing for those seeking part-time positions; for example, a dental hygienist working three days a week can still earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly wages within the field range from approximately $40.76 for entry-level positions, to about $62.79 for top earners, indicating potential for growth based on experience and skill level. Professionals often find work in diverse environments, such as general dentistry offices and public health mobile clinics, which can influence their earning potential based on the specific practice type and location dynamics.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($88,832) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.76 | $326.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.88 | $343.03 |
| Median (P50) | $49.68 | $397.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.85 | $438.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.79 | $502.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $49.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.68/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $103,331 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,614. 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) | $1,987.14 | $8,611 | $103,331 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,192.29 | $5,167 | $61,999 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $794.86 | $3,444 | $41,333 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (South Portland) | $49.68 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in South Portland, ME earn a median of $103,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 0.80% above the Maine state average of $102,501.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.68/hr = $61,999/year (purchasing power: $62,248).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,331/year (purchasing power: $103,746).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.68/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+60.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in South Portland (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in South Portland grew 45.3% from $32.59/hr (2020) to $47.34/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.13/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) 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 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in South Portland
For those considering part-time opportunities, a dental hygienist working 24 hours a week could potentially bring home around $61,580 annually, which still provides a solid income compared to various career alternatives. In contrast, per diem dental hygienist pay in South Portland can vary widely, with temporary positions generally offering hourly rates between $40 to $60, depending on the demand and specific private practice or DSO employer. The compensation varies significantly based on the practice type, with solo practices generally providing different pay than Dental Service Organizations, which may offer benefits in exchange for slightly lower hourly rates. Some may value higher pay without benefits, while others might prioritize comprehensive health insurance, reflecting the need for negotiation skills in this competitive field. Understanding local market trends and specific employer packages is essential for dental hygienists aiming to optimize their earnings in South Portland.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
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 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists 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 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov