Dental hygienists in Maine earn an average of $96,440 per year, with a median of $97,680. The median is the more useful figure for most hiring decisions because it is less affected by a small number of very high earners at the top of the market. Budget around the median as your baseline and adjust up or down based on the candidate's experience and the specific demands of the role.
Dental hygienist salary in Maine (2026)
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The average salary for a dental hygienist in Maine is $96,440 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $97,680 gives employers a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. Maine employs 1,060 dental hygienists, and the $1,240 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Entry-level dental hygienists in Maine typically earn around $83,420, while senior specialists commonly reach or exceed the $108,680 level. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a dental hygienist hire in Maine, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $97,680 |
Average Annual Salary | $96,440 |
vs. National Average | 2.6% below the national mean of $98,990 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 1,060 employed dental hygienists across Maine.
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Dental hygienist salary percentiles in Maine
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $83,420 |
25th Percentile | $88,400 |
75th Percentile | $102,440 |
90th Percentile | $108,680 |
Employers setting an offer for a dental hygienist in Maine should expect a realistic range from $83,420 at the entry level up to $108,680 for senior specialists. Candidates with specialized skills or significant experience will anchor their expectations toward the upper end of that range, so building flexibility into your offer structure will help you compete effectively.
Dental hygienist salary by city in Maine
City | Average Annual Salary |
Portland | $98,330 |
Bangor | $90,070 |
Employers hiring in Portland should budget meaningfully more than those hiring in Bangor, since location alone accounts for a notable difference in compensation expectations. Portland's average of $98,330 sits above the statewide mean of $96,440, while Bangor's average of $90,070 falls well below it. If you are hiring across multiple locations, set city-specific pay bands rather than applying a single statewide figure.
How Maine compares to other states
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Maine | $96,440 | $97,680 |
New York | $103,640 | $106,130 |
New Hampshire | $102,640 | $101,250 |
Massachusetts | $102,160 | $100,640 |
Connecticut | $98,720 | $100,690 |
Vermont | $97,540 | $97,470 |
Maine is a relatively cost-effective market for dental hygienist compensation compared to most of its New England neighbors, which gives employers here a modest budgetary advantage. New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts all post average salaries above $102,000, while Maine's average of $96,440 and Vermont's $97,540 sit closer together at the lower end of the regional range. If you are competing for candidates who have offers from neighboring states, expect some upward pressure on compensation, particularly from candidates considering New Hampshire or Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions about dental hygienist salary in Maine
How much does a dental hygienist get paid in Maine?
What do the top-earning dental hygienists make in Maine?
Dental hygienists at the 90th percentile in Maine earn $108,680 per year. Candidates at this level typically bring specialized skills, significant clinical experience, or work in higher-demand markets such as Portland. Use this figure as a ceiling reference when competing for senior talent, and expect candidates with strong credentials to negotiate toward it.
What is the salary range for a dental hygienist in Maine?
The salary range for a dental hygienist in Maine runs from $83,420 at the 10th percentile to $108,680 at the 90th percentile. The middle of the market sits between $88,400 at the 25th percentile and $102,440 at the 75th percentile, which is where most offers will land. Anchor your offer within that middle band and adjust based on the candidate's seniority and the location of the role.
How does Maine compare to other states for dental hygienist salary?
Maine's average dental hygienist salary of $96,440 falls below most of its New England neighbors, with New York at $103,640, New Hampshire at $102,640, and Massachusetts at $102,160 all paying more on average. Vermont is the closest peer at $97,540. If you are recruiting candidates who are also considering offers in neighboring states, factor in that gap when structuring a competitive package.
Dental Hygienist salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 29-1292 (Dental Hygienists).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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