Average Dental Hygienists Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Dental Hygienists in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $90,610. This figure is slightly below the national average of $94,050, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the specific healthcare market of Maine.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,890.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland area supports a dedicated workforce of 510 Dental Hygienists. With a Location Quotient of 1.25, this indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 25% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-3.7%below the national average.
$43.6
$1,743
$7,551
Dental Hygienists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland, like in many other regions, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in dental technology, and a consistent demand for preventative oral care services.
Dental Hygienists Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
The career trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland offers significant earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, but with accumulated experience and specialization, professionals can advance to senior roles commanding salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and tenure in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $83,090 | $39.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $67,958 | $32.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $90,610 | $43.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $113,263 | $54.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $96,890 | $46.6 |
Detailed Dental Hygienists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Portland-South Portland, the average salary of $90,610 aligns perfectly with the local cost of living, which is exactly at the national average (100). This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Hygienist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
1.778
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Hygienists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.25 for Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with potentially more opportunities relative to the overall workforce, indicating that employers may actively seek to attract and retain skilled Dental Hygienists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Dental Hygienists Salary | $86,470↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $96,660↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $93,840↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Dental Hygienists Salary | $93,410↑ 3% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Dental Hygienists Salary | $93,910↑ 4% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Dental Hygienistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienists make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland, ME is $90,610. This typically ranges from $83,090 for entry-level positions to $96,890 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 3.7% lower than the national median of $94,050.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Dental Hygienists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland earn $90,610 annually, which is on par with the national average cost of living. This makes the salary quite competitive within the local economic landscape.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Dental Hygienists?
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 ($86,470) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland is $90,610, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,050.
What is the concentration of Dental Hygienists in Portland-South Portland?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.25, indicating that Dental Hygienists are 25% more prevalent in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Dental Hygienist salary in Portland-South Portland?
The cost of living in Portland-South Portland is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $90,610 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job opportunities?
With 510 Dental Hygienists employed locally, it indicates a substantial and established professional community, suggesting consistent demand and potential for career growth within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.778 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Hygienists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME
- All Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Management Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Browse All Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Hygienists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME