Healthcare Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Dental Assistant Salary in Portland, Maine

The median dental assistant salary in Portland, ME is $46,761 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 10.0% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$46,761
vs State Avg
+$4,251
vs National
+$4,251
Cost of Living
108%

Dental Assistant Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median dental assistant salary of $46,761, which is $4,251 above the Maine state average of $42,510. Compared to the national median of $42,510, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental assistants in Portland spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $66,000 at the 90th percentile — a $33,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,100, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,800. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $34,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,100
+$3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,300
+$4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,800
+$5,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $38,500
Median (50th) $46,761
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $66,000

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$45,486
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$39,959
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$39,109
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$38,684
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Portland

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Portland

Browse open dental assistant positions in Portland, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Portland

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Portland, Maine is $46,761 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $66,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,761, a dental assistant in Portland earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Portland's median dental assistant salary of $46,761 is 10.0% above the Maine state average of $42,510. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $46,761 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Portland? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Portland require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.