Healthcare Maine (ME) Rank #19 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Maine

The median dental assistant salary in Maine is $42,510 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$42,510
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Dental Assistant Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for dental assistant compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for dental assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $42,510 per year, dental assistants in Maine earn $0 more than the national median of $42,510.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning dental assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: dental assistants at the 10th percentile earn $30,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $60,000 — a $30,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $46,761.

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental assistants across the country.

Dental Assistant Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $31,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,000 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $30,000
25th Percentile $35,000
Median (50th) $42,510
75th Percentile $52,000
90th Percentile $60,000

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Maine

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Maine's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Maine

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Maine? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Maine is $42,510 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $30,000 (10th percentile) to $60,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,510, a dental assistant in Maine earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for dental assistants? ▼
Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $31,000, while senior professionals earn $58,000.
How does Maine compare to other states for dental assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Maine's median of $42,510 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($42,935) and Florida ($42,510).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level dental assistant in Maine earns approximately $31,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $58,000.
What city in Maine pays dental assistants the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for dental assistants, with a median salary of $46,761. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.