Average Dental Assistants Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Dental Assistants in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an impressive average annual salary of $56,780, significantly surpassing the national average of $48,760. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and demand dynamics within the region, indicating a strong local market for these essential healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,590.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 740 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 1.07, the Portland-South Portland area demonstrates a healthy concentration of these roles, slightly above the national average. This suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled dental professionals, indicating a robust job market for those entering or advancing in this field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+16.4%above the national average.
$27.3
$1,092
$4,732
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and evolving job responsibilities likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory, making the profession increasingly financially rewarding.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME, is typically marked by a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career and financial advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $48,290 | $23.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $42,585 | $20.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $59,440 | $28.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $70,975 | $34.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $64,590 | $31.1 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,780 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
2.603
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates that Dental Assistant jobs are slightly more concentrated in Portland-South Portland, ME, than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where demand is robust enough to support a slightly higher proportion of these roles compared to other professions nationwide, offering good opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Dental Assistants Salary | $53,020↓ 7% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $52,630↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $52,250↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $51,810↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Dental Assistants Salary | $53,580↓ 6% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME is $56,780. This typically ranges from $48,290 for entry-level positions to $64,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 16.4% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, Portland-South Portland, ME is a lucrative location for Dental Assistants.The average salary of $56,780 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($53,020) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn approximately $8,020 more annually than the national average, reflecting strong local demand and economic factors.
What is the job market like for Dental Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The job market is robust, with a Location Quotient of 1.07 indicating a slightly higher concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average, suggesting good employment opportunities.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Dental Assistant's salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
No, the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the local salary of $56,780 offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME area?
There are approximately 740 Dental Assistants employed within the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.603 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME