Dental Assistant Salary in South Portland, ME: $45,486 (2026)

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

South Portland offers a median dental assistant salary of $45,486, which is $2,976 above the Maine state average of $42,510. Compared to the national median of $42,510, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $64,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,170, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,060. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $33,170, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,170

+$2,170 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$46,010

+$3,010 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$62,060

+$4,060 vs national

Percentile	South Portland	ME State	National
10th Percentile	$32,100	$30,000	$30,000
25th Percentile	$37,450	$35,000	$35,000
Median (50th)	$45,486	$42,510	$42,510
75th Percentile	$55,640	$52,000	$52,000
90th Percentile	$64,200	$60,000	$60,000

Percentile

South Portland

10th Percentile

$32,100

25th Percentile

$37,450

Median (50th)

$45,486

75th Percentile

$55,640

90th Percentile

$64,200

How to Become a Dental Assistant in South Portland

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. South 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 South Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in South Portland

How much does a Dental Assistant make in South Portland, ME? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in South Portland, Maine is $45,486 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $32,100 (10th percentile) to $64,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in South Portland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $45,486, a dental assistant in South Portland earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

South Portland's median dental assistant salary of $45,486 is 7.0% above the Maine state average of $42,510. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼

South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $45,486 in South 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 South Portland? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in South 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.

Dental Assistant Salary in South Portland, Maine