Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Brunswick, ME: $45.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Brunswick, ME runs $45.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,931 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brunswick, Maine, dental hygienists receive a median hourly pay of $45.62, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.49. This hourly wage provides a solid earning potential for those working part-time or per diem, which is common in settings like general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms. For a dental hygienist working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a reliable income while allowing flexibility. The hourly pay ranges from $37.90 for entry-level positions to $56.33 for top earners, illustrating the opportunities for growth within this field. These figures, derived from annual salary estimations, highlight the competitive landscape for dental hygienist hourly pay in Brunswick.
About the Brunswick 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) | $37.90 | $303.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.39 | $323.13 |
| Median (P50) | $45.62 | $364.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.97 | $399.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.33 | $450.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brunswick
Based on $45.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.62/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brunswick, ME can expect to earn approximately $94,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,741. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,824.70 | $7,907 | $94,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,094.82 | $4,744 | $56,931 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $729.88 | $3,163 | $37,954 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Brunswick) | $45.62 |
| 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 Brunswick, ME earn a median of $94,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.83% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 7.50% below the Maine state average of $102,576.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.62/hr = $56,931/year (purchasing power: $57,159).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,884/year (purchasing power: $95,265).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.62/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+53.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Brunswick (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Brunswick grew 39.2% from $31.22/hr (2020) to $43.47/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.87/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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick
For dental hygienists considering part-time work, the financial implications can be significant. A hygienist working a typical three-day, 24-hour week might earn around $55,000 annually, which is a compelling option compared to a full-time role yielding higher earnings but less flexibility. Per diem opportunities can offer rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, particularly from temp agencies, which adds another layer of income potential. However, markets with higher costs of living, such as San Francisco or New York, offer even more lucrative options, reaching $60 to $85 per hour. In Brunswick, the type of employer greatly impacts hourly rates; for instance, solo practices may pay less than larger group practices or DSOs that often provide benefits like health insurance. Therefore, many hygienists must weigh the trade-off of potentially lower hourly wages against the benefits of stable employment. Negotiation is key—understanding local market trends and the demand for skilled labor can help secure a more favorable pay rate tailored to individual financial needs.
More salary data for Brunswick, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Brunswick?
Are dental hygienists in Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Brunswick?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Brunswick?
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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 Brunswick. 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 Brunswick 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