Augusta vs Portland: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Augusta, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,688 | $103,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.49 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,520 | $90,311▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,668 | $100,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,933▲ | $104,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,784▲ | $117,869 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Portland is $7,077 (7.32%). Portland's median is +0.80% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $39,264,Portland spans $27,558. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($101,872 effective) pays 4.94% more than Augusta ($97,076 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,784)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,765/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,872)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Augusta grew 39.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Augusta, ME
$66,177 (2020) → $92,136 (2025)
Portland, ME
$72,080 (2020) → $98,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Augusta or Portland?
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Should I relocate from Augusta to Portland as a dental hygienist?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov